In less than a year: Capitol doctors up from 177 to 303

CEBU, Philippines —  The number of doctors deployed across Cebu provincial government-run hospitals has surged by 71 percent in less than a year, rising from 177 in July 2025 to 303 as of April 15, 2026, according to Capitol data.

This translates to an increase of 126 doctors now serving in 16 provincial hospitals, marking one of the most significant expansions in healthcare manpower in recent years.

Capitol Public Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan said the increase has eased staffing gaps that previously stretched medical personnel thin across facilities.

“Atong initial number of doctors, 177 pag July 2025. Karon naa natay 303 na doctors as of April 15, 2026,” Catalan said.

She noted that the current pool already includes both general practitioners and specialists assigned across different hospital levels.

“Ang atong specialist adto naka-concentrate sa atong Level 2 and Level 1. Majority is ato nang na-fill karon,” she added.

The growth in manpower has improved hospital operations, ensuring that doctors are available around the clock in most facilities.

“Dili na stretched ang staffing. Daghan na sila magpuli, and at all times naa tay naka-staff na doctors, and in most cases naa na pud silay mga specialist,” Catalan said.

She added that patient care has become more focused with the presence of more trained personnel.

“Ang pagbantay sa patients more targeted on whatever kahimtang sa patients,” she explained.

Data from Capitol showed that larger hospitals recorded the biggest gains in staffing.

Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City now has 55 doctors, nearly doubling from 28 previously.

The Cebu Provincial Hospital in Danao City increased its number to 47 from 28, while Balamban rose to 43 from 28.

In Bogo City, the provincial hospital’s roster climbed to 35 doctors from 29.

These Level 1 and Level 2 hospitals accounted for the bulk of new hires, wherein Catalan noted that they put on efforts to strengthen major healthcare facilities in the province.

At the same time, district hospitals in more remote areas also posted gains, though at a smaller scale.

Bantayan District Hospital increased its doctors from eight to 15, while Ricardo L. Maningo Memorial Hospital in Camotes rose from 10 to 13.

Several infirmaries, including those in Barili, Daanbantayan, and Pinamungajan, more than doubled their doctor count.

Catalan also acknowledged the challenges in deploying doctors to island municipalities, particularly due to logistical constraints.

“In terms sa incentives, we’re working on it in accordance to Civil Service Commission. Ang specific na among gi-trabaho kay kanang naa sa mga islands like Bantayan and Camotes to give them more flexible hours,” she said.

She explained that staffing in island areas becomes difficult when doctors cannot easily be relieved.

“Ang mahitabo man gud nila, it’s either dili ka mapulihan kay dili kalabang ang imong mopuli,” Catalan added.

Despite these challenges, Capitol maintained that the expansion reflects a continuing push to improve healthcare delivery across Cebu.

Improving healthcare services for Cebuanos was among the key commitments made by Governor Pamela Baricuatro during the 2025 campaign. — (FREEMAN)