New PGH specialty center construction begins

MANILA, Philippines — In line with its goal of expanding access of Filipinos to health care, the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) has broken ground on its newest health facility catering to the needs of both pediatric and adult patients.

First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, UP president Angelo Jimenez and UP Manila chancellor Michael Tee attended the groundbreaking ceremony at the PGH complex in Manila.

The 16-story specialty center is designed to house 450 beds, modern pediatric emergency and operating rooms, intensive care units, and outpatient clinics.

It will also include an expanded dietary department as well as dormitories, dining halls, a canteen and a 300-seat convention center.

“This new specialty center reflects our unwavering commitment to strengthen public health care infrastructure. It will allow us to better serve patients who rely on PGH for complex and urgent medical needs,” said PGH director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi.

The first phase of the project is expected to cost P675.5 million. Targeted for completion in 2027, the specialty center will serve both children and adults needing advanced care – all within a single integrated facility.

With construction now underway, PGH officials hope the specialty center will be completed and operational by 2027, ushering in a new era for public tertiary care.

The country’s largest public hospital, PGH serves over 600,000 patients annually, many of whom are indigents who rely on government-subsidized medical services.

“This is a vital step in achieving equitable access to quality care,” Secretary Herbosa said, adding that the project is in line with the government’s thrust to improve universal health care services.