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Bill to expand PGH bed capacity hurdles Senate second reading

January 29, 2025 People's Tonight 56 views

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, expressed his gratitude and optimism following the Senate’s approval of the second reading of Senate Bill No. 2928, which seeks to expand the bed capacity of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) from 1,334 to 2,200 beds.

The bill, principally authored and sponsored by Go, hurdled the second reading during the Senate session on January 28, marking a significant step toward alleviating overcrowding in one of the country’s most critical healthcare institutions.

“This is a crucial step toward improving healthcare services in the country. PGH serves as a lifeline for many indigent patients, and this expansion will go a long way in addressing the overcrowding that has plagued its operations for years,” Go said.

PGH, established in 1907 and opened in 1910, is the largest modern government tertiary hospital in the Philippines. It provides care to over 700,000 patients annually, with a significant portion being indigent Filipinos. However, its capacity has been overwhelmed, often exceeding 200 percent of its daily limit. Senator Go, citing data from the Department of Health (DOH) in 2023, stressed the urgent need to address the hospital’s operational challenges.

“Kapag nakita n’yo ang kalagayan ng ating mga pasyente sa PGH, minsan dalawang pasyente nagsheshare ng isang kama. Ganito ba ang serbisyo na karapat-dapat sa ating mga kababayan? This is why I have consistently pushed for measures that would support PGH,” he explained.

Senator Go also emphasized that the measure is part of his larger advocacy for healthcare reform, particularly for marginalized Filipinos. PGH has been a key recipient of various initiatives under his leadership, including the establishment of a Malasakit Center, which streamlines financial and medical assistance for patients.

“Isa po ang PGH sa mga unang nagkaroon ng Malasakit Center. Patuloy ang suporta natin sa PGH, lalo na’t malaking bahagi ang ginagampanan nito sa ating healthcare system,” Go noted.

The senator also highlighted his efforts to support PGH during emergencies, such as assisting with the 2021 fire and recent calamities that disrupted its operations. In addition, he has pushed for the establishment of a halfway house for patient watchers, who often endure uncomfortable conditions while caring for their loved ones at the hospital.

“Dapat may maayos at disenteng lugar din ang mga watchers ng pasyente. Kasama ito sa ating adbokasiya para sa mas maayos na serbisyo sa PGH,” Go added.

With the bill advancing to its third and final reading, Go appealed to his colleagues for continued support to ensure its swift enactment. If passed into law, the expanded bed capacity is expected to significantly improve PGH’s ability to serve more patients and enhance the quality of care.

“This is not just about increasing numbers; this is about saving lives and giving hope to our kababayans who rely on PGH for quality healthcare. Malaki ang maitutulong nito sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang mga mahihirap,” Go emphasized.

Senator Go reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for initiatives that prioritize the health and welfare of Filipinos, particularly the most vulnerable sectors of society. With the bill nearing its final approval, he remains steadfast in his mission to bridge gaps in healthcare access and ensure no Filipino is left behind.

“Nalulungkot po ako tuwing naririnig ko ‘yung mga mahihirap nating kababayan, ayaw magpaospital, ayaw magpa-checkup dahil takot po sa babayaran. Pangalagaan po natin ang buhay na ibinigay sa atin ng ating Panginoon,” Go said.

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