A bill that seeks to add the bed capacity of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City is being pushed in the Senate due to the rising number of patients.

SPMC is the biggest state-run hospital in the country in terms of bed capacity with 1,500. However, due to the rising number of patients, the hospital caters to nearly 1,800 patients.

Senate Health Committee chairperson, Senator Christopher Lawrence Go, said the bill seeks to add 500 beds.

SPMC is positive with the development so it can give more quality medical service to its patients.

“Na-approve na sa lower committee, increase of bed capacity to 2,000 from 1,500,” SPMC Medical Center Chief, Dr. Ricardo Audan, said.

SPMC also expects 675 additional beds once the new buildings inside the compound are finished.

With the rising number of patients at SPMC, watchers should also have a space where they can take a rest.

On Saturday, November 9, 2024, a five-story “Pahulayan” facility was inaugurated. The government allocated P151.6 million for the project.

“With this building, we are able to provide a place of rest, comfort and support especially for the patients’ watcher from the remote areas who come here hoping to receive the best care possible,” Go said.

The facility can accommodate up to 140 watchers and the priority are those living outside Davao City.

“Ang facility naay CR, for male and female. For PWD, naa pud. Naa silay bench nga pwede nga magamit as a tulugan and of course they can wash theie clothes, makalabas sila,” Audan added.

The facility will also have a dorm manager to ensure that cleanliness is maintained.