
Increased PGH bed capacity pushed
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Committee on Health and Demography and a known health reforms crusader, sponsored Senate Bill No. 2928 under Committee Report No. 465.
The proposed legislation seeks to expand the bed capacity of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) from 1,334 to 2,200 beds to alleviate overcrowding and improve healthcare services for Filipinos, particularly indigent patients.
Senator Go began by recounting PGH’s rich history, highlighting its establishment through Act No. 1688 in 1907 and its opening on September 1, 1910. He underscored its critical role as the largest modern government tertiary hospital in the Philippines.
“Today, PGH is considered the biggest modern government tertiary hospital in the Philippines, servicing more than 700,000 patients annually. It remains to be a national referral center for tertiary care, providing direct and quality patient services to thousands of indigent Filipinos all over the country,” said Go.
Senator Go described the pressing challenges faced by PGH, particularly overcrowding. Citing data from the Department of Health (DOH) in October 2023, Go said, “PGH frequently exceeds its operational capacity, often exceeding 200 percent of its daily limit. Ako po mismo nakikita ko ‘yan. Minsan po isang kama, dalawang pasyente. Paano gagaling ang pasyente n’yan kung magkakatabi-tabi sila d’yan? At lalung-lalo na po noong panahon ng pandemya na bawal po magdikit-dikit.”
He further noted that the hospital’s emergency room had similarly exceeded its capacity, reaching 200 percent in June 2022 due to patients with non-COVID-19-related ailments, including pneumonia, diabetes, and heart, lung, and kidney diseases.
“Napakalaki po ng ginagampanan ng PGH sa ating healthcare system bilang isang national hospital. Kaya patuloy ang suporta natin sa PGH,” he added.
Senator Go also highlighted several initiatives aimed at supporting PGH operations, including the establishment of a Malasakit Center within its premises.
“Mayroon din pong Malasakit Center mismo sa PGH. Isa po ito sa unang nagkaroon ng Malasakit Center,” Go stated.
He also cited assistance extended to PGH during emergencies such as the 2021 fire, the March 2024 fire at the Medicine Ward, and the typhoon-induced flooding in July 2024. “In 2021, when a fire broke out in the PGH, we were ready to assist to help PGH restore its normal operations,” he recalled.
Another key initiative Go advocated for was the establishment of a halfway house for patient watchers in PGH.
“‘Yung mga watchers po, napapansin ko nasa bangketa po, nasa sidewalk. Nagaantay habang tinatawag ‘yung pangalan ng kanilang pasyente. Kailangan din bigyan ng maayos at disenteng lugar ang mga watchers na nagsasakripisyo para sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” he emphasized.
Senator Go stressed that the proposed increase in bed capacity is a necessary step to improve PGH’s ability to serve more patients.
“This proposed measure… aims to further support the operations of the PGH by increasing its bed capacity to 2,200. It is our hope that this would help in expanding their services and in catering more Filipinos who seek medical care,” Go explained.