South Cotabato — Construction has officially started on the new two-storey hospital building at Norala District Hospital (NDH), a major healthcare infrastructure project that will provide additional wards, private rooms, and an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to better serve residents of South Cotabato.
The project is backed by a ₱75-million investment aimed at increasing the hospital’s capacity and improving access to specialized medical care.
The expansion forms part of the Provincial Government of South Cotabato’s continuing efforts to strengthen public healthcare services and sustain its free hospitalization program.
Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. said the project reflects the provincial government’s long-term commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare for all South Cotabateños.
“This development brings long-term improvements to the local healthcare system,” Gov. Tamayo said.
According to hospital officials, the new facility will house additional ward rooms, private rooms, and a modern ICU, allowing the hospital to accommodate more patients and manage critical cases locally.
The development is also expected to help decongest existing facilities and reduce referrals to larger hospitals.
The expansion comes at a crucial time as Norala District Hospital recently recorded a 163 percent bed occupancy rate, significantly exceeding its authorized capacity and underscoring the growing demand for healthcare services in the area.
The governor has consistently emphasized that expanding district hospitals is essential to sustaining the province’s free hospitalization program and ensuring quality healthcare services remain within reach of every resident.
Once completed, the upgraded facility is expected to enhance patient care, improve hospital operations, and move the institution closer to meeting Department of Health standards for higher-level hospital classification, further strengthening healthcare delivery in South Cotabato
