To expand specialized medical care: VSMMC seeks P2. billion budget

CEBU, Philippines — The Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) is seeking a ?2.2-billion budget for 2027 to strengthen its services as an Apex hospital and expand its capacity to provide specialized medical care.

The proposed allocation will support priority projects, including the development of specialty centers that aim to give patients in Central Visayas access to advanced medical services without having to travel to Manila.

VSMMC chief Dr. Gerardo M. Aquino Jr. said the proposed budget represents an increase from the hospital’s nearly ?2-billion allocation for the current year.

He said the additional funding would help advance the hospital’s priority and pipeline projects as it works to fulfill its mandate as an Apex hospital.

Aside from providing general hospital services, VSMMC has been designated a Level 3 Apex hospital and tasked with establishing 17 specialty centers.

These include cancer, orthopedic and heart centers, which are among the facilities being developed to provide patients with more specialized treatment.

Aquino said ongoing construction projects within the hospital are part of preparations to strengthen its specialized medical services.

The expansion is expected to improve access to advanced treatment, particularly for patients who would otherwise have to seek specialized medical care outside Cebu.

"So these are all mandates sa amo so makakita mo naay mga construction diha because that is really in preparation nga ang Sotto, if you need kuan cardiac, no, you don't have to go to Manila," Aquino said.

The development of these centers is part of the hospital’s efforts to expand its services beyond general medical care and provide more specialized treatment locally.

Aquino also cited the government's Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) program as a major source of financial assistance for patients admitted to the hospital.

Under the Department of Health (DOH) policy, qualified patients admitted to basic or ward accommodation in DOH hospitals are exempt from covered out-of-pocket hospital charges and professional fees.

The program aims to ensure that eligible patients can receive medical treatment without shouldering covered hospital expenses.

Aquino said the subsidy provided through the program has significantly helped the hospital support patients requiring medical care.

"Dako kaayo ang subsidy nga amo pong nakuha on the zero balance billing," he said.

As a national government-owned hospital under the DOH, VSMMC follows the national budget preparation and approval process.

The hospital prepares its proposed annual operating and capital expenditures, which the DOH reviews and consolidates before submitting them to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The DOH's consolidated budget proposal is then incorporated into the National Expenditure Program (NEP), which the President submits to Congress for deliberation.

The House of Representatives and the Senate review the proposed spending plan and may introduce amendments before passing their respective versions. The two chambers then reconcile differences through a Bicameral Conference Committee.

The final budget measure is submitted to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for approval. Upon signing, it becomes the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Meanwhile, the proposed ?7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 secured approval from the House of Representatives on October 12, 2026. The proposed budget is now under Senate review, after which the two chambers will reconcile their respective versions before submitting the final measure to Malacañang for the President's signature. (CEBU NEWS)