Hospital leaders confer with Capitol officials
Improving Cebu's Public Hospitals: A Collaborative Approach
Cebu's public hospitals are facing challenges, with understaffing, lack of resources, and poor communication protocols being the primary issues. These concerns have been raised repeatedly by hospital chiefs and government officials in recent discussions.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro and hospital chiefs have emphasized the need to address these issues as part of ongoing reforms. One proposed solution is assigning at least one public doctor per municipality, a measure that has been advocated for by the governor.
The lack of resources is another significant challenge. Cebu’s hospitals suffer from insufficient medical supplies, outdated or poorly maintained equipment, and underutilization of recent government medical equipment investments. For example, the Cebu City Medical Center reportedly has millions of pesos in unused equipment due to delays in hospital construction and a lack of personnel to operate these devices. Additionally, medicine and supply shortages are common in provincial hospitals, further straining services.
A critical gap identified is the absence of standardized communication guidelines between local healthcare facilities and the Provincial Government. Hospital chiefs have stressed this during a multi-hospital meeting facilitated by the Cebu Provincial Government, aiming for better coordination and quicker, more efficient healthcare delivery across the province.
Dr. Prudencio Manubag, hospital chief in Carcar City, stated that the shortage of medical professionals is the main issue in Cebu's public hospitals, not the facilities themselves. Dr. Eric Geyrozaga, Argao District Hospital Chief, echoed the concern about resource limitations.
The Cebu Provincial Government, led by health consultant Nicole "Doc Nikki" Catalan, daughter of Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, held a meeting with 16 district and provincial hospital chiefs on July 25, 2025. During the meeting, hospital leaders voiced individual concerns, including understaffing, lack of proper equipment, and the need for standardized communication protocols.
Catalan acknowledged that there is much to improve in Cebu's public hospitals but believed that the personnel are doing their best despite limited resources. She reassured hospital leaders that their input will be used to create a long-term plan for improving Cebu's public hospital operations.
The meeting was the beginning of a series of province-wide consultations aimed at improving local healthcare services. Recommendations from the session will be submitted to Gov. Pamela Baricuatro for further evaluation and possible legislative or executive action. Catalan asked for the public's understanding as change takes time in the government.
Dr. Geyrozaga noted that his team continues to respond to emergencies despite logistical challenges. Catalan reiterated the Capitol's commitment to ensuring that every district hospital is adequately equipped and staffed. The series of consultations marks an effort to uplift the state of local healthcare services in Cebu.
[1] Cebu Daily News, "Cebu's Public Hospitals Struggle with Staffing, Resource Shortages, and Communication Gaps," July 26, 2025. [2] SunStar Cebu, "Millions of Pesos in Unused Equipment at Cebu City Medical Center," July 23, 2025. [3] The Philippine Star, "Provincial Hospitals Suffer from Lack of Resources and Staff," July 24, 2025. [4] The Manila Bulletin, "Cebu Governor Commits to Improving Public Healthcare System," July 26, 2025.
- Governor Pamela Baricuatro and hospital chiefs are planning to address the staffing issues in Cebu's public hospitals as part of ongoing reforms, with a proposed solution being the assigning of at least one public doctor per municipality.
- The lack of resources in Cebu's hospitals is a significant challenge, with many facilities reporting insufficient medical supplies, underutilization of government-funded medical equipment, and medicine and supply shortages.
- To improve coordination and efficiency in healthcare delivery across the province, hospital chiefs are advocating for the implementation of standardized communication guidelines between local healthcare facilities and the Provincial Government.
- In an effort to improve Cebu's public hospitals, the Cebu Provincial Government is organizing a series of consultations to gather recommendations from hospital leaders. These recommendations will be presented to Governor Pamela Baricuatro for further action and may include legislative or executive measures. The discussions will also address mental health concerns, highlighting the need for therapies and treatments in the workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness sectors.
