Cebu City, Philippines — In a milestone for provincial healthcare, Chong Hua Hospital has opened the first Multi-Specialty Charity Clinic in Cebu, created through a groundbreaking partnership with the Cebu Provincial Government.
The clinic will offer free, specialized medical services to qualified patients from the province, fulfilling a shared commitment to making high-quality healthcare more accessible to every Sugboanon, regardless of financial standing.
A Partnership Built for Access and Inclusion
Representing People’s Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro, Capitol Piso Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan expressed the provincial government’s deep appreciation to Chong Hua Hospital for this initiative.
“This is a big step forward in our shared goal of making healthcare not just available — but truly accessible to all,” Dr. Catalan said.
This partnership reinforces the provincial government’s vision to bridge the gap between healthcare availability and accessibility — an issue identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the leading barriers to improved health outcomes in developing regions (WHO).
What the Multi-Specialty Charity Clinic Offers
Specifically, the clinic is designed to serve patients who need specialized care beyond the scope of rural health units and district hospitals. Services will include:
- Cardiology consultations for heart-related conditions.
- Orthopedic services for bone, joint, and mobility issues.
- General and specialized surgery assessments.
- Pediatric and internal medicine care.
- Laboratory and diagnostic support for accurate treatment planning.
All services are free of charge for eligible patients endorsed through the Capitol’s healthcare assistance program.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), public-private partnerships in healthcare are proven to increase capacity and efficiency in delivering specialized services (DOH).
The First of Its Kind in Cebu
While Cebu’s public hospitals and rural health units handle a vast number of patients daily, specialized care often requires referral to private institutions. The Chong Hua Hospital Multi-Specialty Charity Clinic is the first facility in the province to formalize such an arrangement on a large scale, ensuring that financially vulnerable patients can receive advanced care without the burden of hospital bills.
This marks a step toward achieving Universal Health Care (UHC) objectives as outlined in Republic Act No. 11223, which mandates equitable access to quality health services for all Filipinos (Official Gazette).
A Response to Cebu’s Healthcare Realities
Cebu is home to more than 3.3 million residents, with hundreds of thousands living in remote towns and islands where specialized medical facilities are scarce. Many of these communities face:
- High transportation costs to reach urban hospitals.
- Long waiting times for specialized consultations.
- Limited availability of medical equipment in local health centers.
By situating the clinic within Chong Hua Hospital — one of Cebu’s leading medical institutions — the partnership offers both advanced facilities and expert medical personnel for those most in need.
Governor Baricuatro’s Healthcare Commitment
Although Gov. Pam was unable to attend the launch in person, her administration’s role in facilitating the partnership reflects her inclusive and proactive healthcare policy.
Since assuming office, she has prioritized:
- Expansion of health assistance programs for indigent patients.
- Upgrading district hospitals and rural health centers.
- Partnering with private medical institutions to extend specialized services.
Her oft-repeated commitment, “walay mabiyaan sa serbisyo publiko” (no one left behind in public service), finds a concrete example in the launch of this charity clinic.
How Patients Can Benefit
In fact, the process for accessing the clinic is straightforward:
- Patients must be endorsed by the Capitol’s health desk or through their respective municipal health offices.
- Meanwhile, endorsements are verified to ensure eligibility.
- Once approved, patients are scheduled for consultations at the Multi-Specialty Charity Clinic.
This system ensures that resources are directed toward those who need them most while maintaining efficiency in service delivery.
Community and Medical Community Response
Meanwhile, news of the clinic’s opening has been welcomed warmly by local leaders and medical professionals alike.
Barangay health worker Liza M., from northern Cebu, said, “Daghan mi nga pasyente nga kinahanglan og espesyalista pero dili kaafford. Karon, mas dali na para sa ila.” (“We have many patients who need specialists but can’t afford them. Now, it’s easier for them.”)
Doctors at Chong Hua Hospital see the initiative as a way to integrate corporate social responsibility with their medical mission. “We are physicians first — this allows us to serve without barriers,” one surgeon remarked.
Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships in Healthcare
The launch underscores the potential of public-private partnerships in achieving healthcare goals. By pooling government support and private sector resources, both sides can:
- Additionally, expand reach to underserved communities.
- Share expertise and technology.
- Furthermore, reduce the financial strain on patients.
Moreover, such collaborations are increasingly encouraged under the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which identifies healthcare as a priority sector for partnership-driven growth.
Conclusion
The opening of Chong Hua Hospital’s Multi-Specialty Charity Clinic in partnership with the Cebu Provincial Government is a landmark moment for healthcare in the province.
It offers free specialized care to Capitol-endorsed patients, and moreover, shows how private and local sectors can bridge healthcare gaps.
For Cebu’s vulnerable patients, it’s hope, and for the province, it’s a step toward healthcare where no Sugboanon is left behind.
