𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐂 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐏 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐏𝐄𝐗 𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐒
The Cebu Provincial Government is doubling down on its commitment to improve the local health system, gathering its orthopedic surgeons to map out a strategy that would bring specialized care closer to the people and ease the burden on overcrowded referral hospitals.
Officials and orthopedic surgeons deployed to provincial hospitals met on Tuesday, March 10, with Capitol’s Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan to discuss programs aimed at boosting surgical services and expanding access in areas far from Cebu City, where tertiary hospitals are concentrated.
The initiative seeks to address a persistent challenge in the healthcare system, which is the heavy volume of orthopedic cases flooding apex hospitals.
By bolstering the capabilities of district and provincial hospitals, patients needing bone and joint procedures can now be attended to closer to home, reducing travel time, cutting down waiting lists, and improving overall outcomes.
“Stronger provincial hospitals mean faster care, less waiting, and better outcomes for our patients,” Dr. Catalan said.
The move is part of Gov. Pamela Baricuatro’s health reforms to decongest apex hospitals by equipping local health facilities with modern tools and skilled personnel to handle more complex cases.
“Thank you to our orthopedic surgeons for the dedication and long hours they continue to give our patients every day,” Dr. Catalan said.
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