Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Philippines| October 17, 2025— The Outpatient Department (OPD) of the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH) continues to expand its services as more residents seek medical attention, particularly for animal bites, due to the free healthcare services offered by the provincial government.
According to Dr. Ana Marie Tuburan, OPD Chief, patients do not spend a single centavo when availing of OPD services, including the administration of anti-rabies vaccines.
This policy of free healthcare has encouraged more people to seek treatment at the hospital.
Currently, the OPD caters to an average of 173 animal bite patients daily, with the capacity to serve up to 300 patients per day. To date, around 58,000 patients have received anti-rabies vaccines under the hospital’s rabies program.
To support these operations, the OPD has been allotted ₱3 million from the general fund — ₱1 million for drugs and medicines and ₱2 million for general supplies.
When additional funding is needed, the management accesses the ₱49 million Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) fund, ensuring that no patient is left untreated.
Dr. Tuburan also reported that the OPD has spent ₱10 million for the purchase of anti-rabies vaccines, which have already been distributed, while an ₱11 million purchase request is now in process and ready for delivery.
“Our services are completely free, so we understand why more patients are coming to us,” Dr. Tuburan said.
She ask for patience, especially when waiting in line, as the staff is doing their best to serve everyone efficiently, Dr. Tuburan explained.
The OPD currently operates with four regular doctors and four doctor trainees, who work together to accommodate the growing number of patients each day.
Through its free and accessible healthcare services, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, in partnership with the Provincial Health Office, continues to uphold its commitment to deliver Tama kag Maayo nga Serbisyo — right and good service — for every South Cotabateño.
