Cebu City Council Greenlights 70 New Resident Physician Positions to Boost Public Health System
The Cebu City Council has taken a significant step toward strengthening the city's public health infrastructure by approving the creation of 70 new positions for specialized resident physicians at the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC). This move, formalized through City Ordinance 2804, aims to enhance medical services and alleviate the workload on existing healthcare professionals.
Institutionalizing Residency Training Programs
Authored by Councilor Michelle Abella-Cellona, the ordinance institutionalizes CCMC's residency training program, covering key medical specialties: Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB-GYN), and Surgery. According to Cellona, this initiative ensures a consistent supply of trained specialists and aligns hospital staffing with standards set by the Department of Health, Civil Service Commission, and Department of Budget and Management.
Distribution of Positions and Appointment Details
The newly approved positions will be allocated as follows: 20 for pediatrics, 18 for surgery, 17 for internal medicine, and 15 for OB-GYN. These roles, designated as resident physician or medical officer 3 positions with a salary grade of 21, will be temporary appointments renewed annually based on performance and clinical evaluations. The ordinance was officially approved on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Oversight and Eligibility Requirements
A dedicated residency training committee will oversee each specialty, managing:
- Curriculum development
- Applicant screening processes
- Performance evaluations
Applicants must meet specific criteria, including being Filipino citizens, doctors of medicine, eligible under Republic Act 1080, and of good moral character.
Addressing Future Healthcare Demands
Councilor Cellona highlighted the growing need for additional trained staff, noting that patient volume at CCMC is projected to increase by 50 to 70 percent over the next five years. This surge is anticipated as the hospital expands from its current 225-bed capacity to 700 beds, underscoring the importance of bolstering the medical workforce to meet future demands.
Funding and Implementation
Funding for the 70 new positions will be sourced from CCMC's Personnel Services budget, ensuring that the program is financially sustainable. This strategic allocation aims to prevent physician burnout by promoting a more even distribution of clinical duties, ultimately improving patient care and operational efficiency at the medical center.
