The Cebu Provincial Government is launching a series of targeted medical and surgical missions across the province. This initiative serves as a crucial stopgap measure to expand healthcare access while long-awaited major upgrades to its public hospitals are still being implemented.
A Temporary Solution for Immediate Needs
Provincial Health Consultant, Dr. Nikki Catalan, announced the plan during the launch of the online talk show "Dok Storya." The show was broadcast on the official Facebook page of the Province of Cebu on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Dr. Catalan explained that these missions are aimed at quickly addressing service gaps as the province continues its work to improve the capacity of hospitals managed by the Capitol.
The talk show was co-hosted by Dr. Catalan and Dr. Stanley Caminero, the chairperson of the Cebu Provincial Board Committee on Health. The discussion focused on explaining the health reforms under the administration of Governor Pamela Baricuatro.
Scheduled Missions and Hospital Management
The provincial government has scheduled several major missions in the coming months:
- January 24–25: Malabuyoc and Badian – Cataract surgery, dental services, and minor and major operations.
- February 9–12: Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar – In partnership with volunteer doctors from California.
- February 21–22: Bantayan District Hospital – In collaboration with the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC).
- March 28–29: Ricardo L. Maningo Memorial Hospital in San Francisco, Camotes – In partnership with the Sui Generis Mission and VSMMC.
Dr. Catalan clarified that the Capitol directly manages 16 hospitals—four provincial and 12 district hospitals—in terms of budget, personnel, and policy. Of these, 10 still function primarily as infirmaries. Due to varying capacities, patient transfers or referrals to higher-quality facilities are sometimes necessary, which can lead to overcrowding.
Long-Term Upgrades and Provincial Priority
To address these systemic issues, the province has begun upgrading hospital facilities. This includes constructing new buildings, acquiring additional medical equipment, and hiring more healthcare workers. However, Dr. Catalan noted that these improvements take time due to the government's procurement processes.
Other topics discussed during the show included the Department of Health's referral system, PhilHealth registration, temporary health measures, long-term programs, and the proposed provincial health budget for 2026.
Dr. Caminero emphasized that healthcare service remains a top priority for the Baricuatro administration. These medical missions represent a dual-track approach: providing immediate relief to communities while building the foundation for a more robust and capable provincial health system in the future.
