South Cotabato -The construction of an additional building at the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital is expected to significantly help address congestion, expand the facility’s capacity, and further improve healthcare services as the hospital works toward becoming a tertiary-level healthcare institution.
The expansion forms part of the continuing efforts of the Provincial Government of South Cotabato to improve the delivery of accessible and quality healthcare services to residents throughout the province.
According to Dr. Marilyn Abantao, Chief of Hospital, the management of the provincial hospital is working toward the facility’s goal of attaining tertiary-level hospital status.
“Achieving this goal would allow the hospital to further expand its programs, improve its facilities, and provide a wider range of medical services to the people of south Cotabato,” Dr. Abantao said.
At present, the hospital has a bed capacity of more than 200.
However, with the growing number of patients seeking medical attention and hospital services, the management is targeting an expansion that would increase the facility’s capacity to 500 beds.
Dr. Abantao said the continued development of the hospital is essential as the provincial government aims to provide residents with better access to medical services without the need to travel far from their communities to seek specialized care.
“ Ang 3rd building worth ₱240 million kag project ina ni Governor Tamayo. Igabutang diri ang Business office department, Pediatrics department, Family medicine department, kag Internal medicine department.” Abantao said
The additional facility is expected to provide more space for the hospital’s operations and help improve the flow of patients seeking consultation, treatment, and other medical services.
Meanwhile, the hospital’s outpatient department is also continuing to strengthen its services to meet the needs of patients.
According to Dr. Ana Marie Tuburan, head of the outpatient department, their office is further intensifying efforts to ensure the continuous delivery of healthcare services.
“Kung kaisa may mga YAKAP member nga ang iya attending Physician is private practitioner, meaning may resita na siya nga iya kag ang Yakap may kaugalingon nga package kong sa diin may prescribe 21 Medicines nga dapat ma avail sang member. Kung ang iya bulong wala na sulod didto indi gid namon ina mahatag base man ina sa list of medicines sang DOH, kag PNDF. Ang aton nga free hospitalization didto na sa admission kung wala sang available nga bulong sa Pharmacy gina pangitaan ini sang management sang paagi nga maprovide .” Tuburan said.
The strengthening of outpatient services, combined with the expansion of hospital facilities, is expected to further improve the overall capacity of the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital to respond to the healthcare needs of the public.
The planned expansion toward 500-bed capacity and the construction of the new ₱240-M worth hospital building are expected to bring significant benefits to the people of South Cotabato, helping reduce hospital congestion while supporting the province’s long-term goal of establishing a stronger and more capable tertiary-level healthcare institution.
