TACLOBAN CITY – The Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City, Samar has announced it is currently operating beyond its capacity due to a surge in the number of patients seeking medical care.
In an advisory issued, the hospital reported that all its 100 regular beds are fully occupied, with a total of 275 patients now being attended to — nearly three times its intended capacity.
Hospital management assured the public that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers are doing their best to provide adequate care for all patients despite the overcrowding and limited space.
“For those who urgently need admission, temporary arrangements are being made while waiting for regular wards to become available,” the advisory said.
The hospital also urged residents to seek early consultation through the outpatient department (OPD) before their conditions become severe, to prevent further congestion in the facility.
“We thank everyone for their continued understanding and cooperation,” the hospital added.
SPH is a level 1,100-bed public hospital serving 806,179 residents across the province of Samar.
Level 1 hospital is the most basic type of general hospital, providing essential services like an operating room, recovery room, maternity facilities, a functional clinical laboratory, an imaging facility, and a pharmacy.
Aside from the provincial hospital, Samar has three district hospitals in Calbayog City and the towns of Basey and Gandara, with a combined bed capacity of 126. There is also a municipal hospital in Tarangnan town with a 10-bed capacity.
The entire province has a total hospital bed capacity of 236, which means that the hospital bed and population ratio is 1:3,430, below the 1:1,000 ratio recommended by World Health Organization for the country.
Samar Provincial Hospital
Samar Provincial Hospital is a key public healthcare facility located in Catbalogan City, serving the medical needs of Samar province in the Philippines. While specific founding details are limited, it has a long-standing history of providing essential health services to the local community. It continues to operate as a vital institution for primary and secondary care in the region.
Catbalogan City
Catbalogan City is the capital of Samar province in the Philippines, serving as a major commercial and administrative hub on the island. Historically, it began as a small settlement before becoming a Jesuit mission in the 17th century and was officially established as a municipality in 1902. Today, it is known for its scenic coastal views and as a gateway to the natural wonders of Samar.
Samar
Samar is an island in the eastern Visayas region of the Philippines, historically renowned as the first island in the archipelago sighted by the Spanish expedition led by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. It is known for its rugged, natural landscapes, including dense forests and intricate cave systems, and was the site of the Balangiga Massacre in 1901, a significant event during the Philippine-American War.
Calbayog City
Calbayog City is a major urban center in the province of Samar, Philippines, with a history dating back to its establishment as a pueblo in 1785. It evolved from smaller settlements and was officially recognized as a city in 1948. The city is known for its natural attractions like waterfalls and caves, and its cultural heritage is reflected in its Spanish-era churches and as the home diocese of the late Cardinal Jaime Sin.
Basey
Basey is a municipality in the Philippines located in Samar province, known for its historic Spanish-era church, the Basey Church (St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church). Originally founded in the 17th century, the church is famous for its intricate ceiling murals painted by local artists and for being partially constructed from coral stones. The town is also renowned for its traditional handwoven banig (sleeping mats) made from tikog reeds.
Gandara
Gandara, also known as the Gandhara region, was an ancient kingdom located in present-day northwest Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan. It flourished from the 6th century BCE to the 11th century CE and became a major center of Greco-Buddhist art following Alexander the Great’s incursions. The region is renowned for its distinctive Buddhist sculptures that blend Hellenistic artistic styles with Buddhist religious themes.
Tarangnan
Tarangnan is a municipality in the province of Samar, Philippines, historically known as the site of the first Spanish settlement on the island of Samar. It was originally called “Ibabao” and served as the capital of Samar during the early Spanish colonial period before the seat of government was moved. Today, it is a coastal town that preserves its historical significance as one of the oldest settlements in the region.
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1948, responsible for international public health. Its primary mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable by combating diseases and coordinating global responses to health emergencies.
