Southern Philippines Medical Center Set for Major Expansion and New Trauma Institute
The Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City is poised for a significant transformation following the approval of key legislative measures and strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing its healthcare services. This development comes as the hospital receives national accolades for its performance and quality of care.
Legislative Approval for Increased Bed Capacity
During the Habi at Kape Business Forum at Ayala, Abreeza Malls, Dr. Ricardo Audan, Medical Center Chief of SPMC, detailed the legislative journey behind the expansion. Initially, House Bill No. 1066, filed by Representative Ungab of Davao City's third district, proposed increasing SPMC's bed capacity to 2,000. However, this proposal faced a two-year delay.
Subsequently, seven congressmen from the Davao Region—Hon. Carmen Zamora, Hon. Miguel Almario, Hon. Trecy Cagas, Hon. Carlo Uy, Hon. Nelson Dayanghirang, Hon. Manuel Lagdameo, and Hon. Leonil Diongsan—filed House Bill No. 5573 with the same objective. During Congressional deliberations, Dr. Audan delivered a privilege speech presenting census data, which led to approval for the increase.
Deputy Speaker Ferjenel Biron of Iloilo's 4th District suggested a higher target, prompting an amendment to consolidate the bills and adjust the proposed bed capacity to a range of 2,000 to 2,500 beds. This amended version has been approved by the House of Representatives. Once enacted into law, it will facilitate increased budget allocation, additional hiring, reduced congestion, service expansion, and investments in advanced medical technology and infrastructure.
Trauma Institute to Alleviate Emergency Room Congestion
In a parallel effort to address hospital overcrowding, SPMC is set to open a Trauma Institute within the year. Located in front of the Emergency Room, the facility is already constructed but undergoing final adjustments, with a target opening in 2026. Dr. Audan emphasized that as the only government hospital in Davao City classified as an apex and referral center, SPMC handles a high volume of trauma cases.
Currently, trauma and non-trauma cases are treated together in the same Emergency Room, contributing to congestion. The new institute will separate trauma patients, reducing pressure on main operating rooms. Hospital officials report that SPMC's approved bed capacity is 1,500, but actual occupancy often reaches 1,800 to 1,900 patients—about 140 percent above ideal capacity—underscoring the urgent need for expansion.
Progress on Kidney Transplant Institute and National Recognitions
Meanwhile, SPMC's Kidney Transplant Institute is advancing steadily, with a partial opening held on November 28, 2025, and full operation expected within the year. These expansions aim to improve patient care, reduce overcrowding, and strengthen specialized medical services in the region.
In terms of accolades, SPMC has been ranked 29th among hospitals in the Philippines in the World's Best Hospitals 2026 list, based on indicators such as quality of care, patient outcomes, peer recommendations, and staff performance. Additionally, the hospital was included in the Top 300 of the Philippines' Best Employers 2026, ranking 142nd overall, following a nationwide study evaluating over 3,400 companies.
SPMC also received recognition as the 2nd Most Outstanding Government Tertiary Hospital in the Philippines during the Philippine Hospital Association Convention. Hospital officials attribute these awards to the institution's strong workforce performance and unwavering commitment to quality healthcare service.
