KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — The Norala District Hospital (NDH) has strengthened emergency healthcare services after securing a License to Operate (LTO) from the Department of Health (DOH) for its Blood Station, a significant milestone that will improve access to safe and timely blood services for residents of Norala and neighboring municipalities.
The newly licensed Blood Station operates under a Level I service capability with an authorized bed capacity of 100, allowing the hospital to receive, store, and issue screened blood and blood components for patients requiring emergency transfusions, surgeries, maternal care, and other lifesaving medical interventions.
“Meron na kaming License to Operate para sa Blood Station. This month lang naibigay ng DOH,” said Faith M. Divinagracia-AO designate of Norala District Hospital.
The new facility also complements the Provincial Government of South Cotabato’s continuing efforts to expand free and accessible healthcare.
Under the province’s Free Hospitalization Program, patients admitted to public hospitals, including NDH, receive blood transfusion and blood processing services without charge, removing one of the major financial burdens for families during medical emergencies.
Emy Santillan, Donor Recruitment Officer of the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH), said the establishment of the blood station will make safe blood more readily available for patients, reduce delays in emergency care, and strengthen the province’s blood service referral network.
She added that bringing blood services closer to communities also supports sustained voluntary blood donation and ensures faster response during medical emergencies.
Provincial data further show the strength of South Cotabato’s blood services program.
As of September 2025, more than 20,000 voluntary blood donors have contributed around 11,000 blood units, while 190 of the province’s 199 barangays have already achieved the one-percent blood donation target, ensuring a stable supply of safe blood for patients across South Cotabato.
The licensing of the NDH Blood Station is expected to further improve emergency preparedness, strengthen the provincial healthcare referral system, and provide faster, more responsive, and patient-centered medical services advancing the Provincial Government of South Cotabato’s commitment to bringing quality healthcare closer to every South Cotabateño.
