SOUTH COTABATO — The South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH) served 15,365 admitted patients and 35,779 outpatient cases during the first semester of 2026, despite having an official bed capacity of only 200.
Outpatient head Dr. Anna Marie Tubuan appealed to patients to understand the hospital’s policies and the limitations faced by its personnel amid the high patient volume.
“I am appealing to everyone to understand the people in the hospital. We have policies that we need to follow, and I hope these are also followed. Sometimes, it seems that we cannot accommodate your numbers, but we still manage because it is the mandate of the governor that we do not refuse patients. I hope our patients can also be patient with us.”
Hospital data showed that the highest number of admissions came from the Pediatrics Department with 4,672 patients, followed by Internal Medicine with 3,643, and Obstetrics and Gynecology with 2,969.
The hospital said its actual patient load at times reaches between 300 and 500 patients, exceeding its authorized bed capacity.
At the Outpatient Department, animal-bite cases accounted for most consultations, with 20,419 cases or 57 percent of the total OPD patients.
The remaining 15,360 patients, or 42.93 percent, were served by 11 other departments, including Pediatrics and Dental.
Despite the volume, SCPH continues to provide medical services to patients under the provincial government’s policy of not refusing those seeking care.
Hospital Chief Dr. Marilyn Abantao thanked patients for continuing to seek treatment at the facility.
“Thank you for your trust in coming to us and seeking treatment. We are ready to serve you. We are here, and we will continue to provide good service.”
Meanwhile, SCPH recorded 5,649 blood requests from inpatients, with 5,122 blood units released, while its outpatient services recorded 5,000 requests and 5,350 releases during the same period.
The hospital also received the Red Orchid Award Hall of Fame for its smoking-cessation program and recorded a 96.39-percent rating in the Green Viability Assessment.
SCPH also began implementing the YAKAP Program, a PhilHealth initiative that provides eligible members with preventive, promotive and primary healthcare services through accredited providers, with the aim of reducing patients’ out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
Hospital officials said the number of patients served during the first semester was generally comparable to the same period last year, but the figures continue to demonstrate the demand placed on the province’s public hospital.
