Gov. Baricuatro Tackles Cebu’s Broken Healthcare System With Major Reforms
CEBU CITY, CEBU – Access to quality healthcare remains a critical issue in many provincial hospitals, where shortages of medicines, doctors, nurses, and medical equipment often leave patients vulnerable. For Governor Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro, addressing these gaps has become a top priority, with a bold plan to overhaul Cebu’s Capitol-run hospitals and ensure that every Cebuano receives basic and essential medical care.
Fixing the Basics
“Would you seek treatment at a hospital lacking medicines, doctors, nurses, or proper equipment?” asked Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan, highlighting the stark reality that many patients face in Cebu’s 16 district and provincial hospitals.
According to Dr. Catalan, three elements are critical to delivering proper healthcare:
- Adequate supply of medicines
- Sufficient number of medical professionals
- Necessary medical equipment
“When these basics are missing, even the best infrastructure or upgraded facilities cannot serve the people,” she emphasized.
Upon assuming office, Gov. Baricuatro encountered a healthcare system so broken that some patients had to spend their own money on basic supplies like cotton. Recognizing the urgency, the governor launched drastic reforms to strengthen the foundations of healthcare in Cebu.
Hiring Doctors and Nurses
Within the first two months of her administration, Gov. Baricuatro approved the hiring of 78 doctors and 233 nurses, alongside a P180 million allocation for gasoline, supplies, medicines, and other operational needs. In just over three months, 25 more doctors and 160 nurses were recruited to fill critical manpower shortages.
“Filling the manpower gap is one of the Capitol’s top health priorities because hospitals don’t just need buildings—they need people,” Dr. Catalan said.
P1.3 Billion for Hospital Upgrades
Gov. Baricuatro’s administration is also investing heavily in hospital infrastructure. A P650 million capital outlay has been earmarked for upgrades this year, with another P650 million included in the proposed 2026 budget, bringing the total investment to P1.3 billion.
This funding aims to:
- Upgrade infirmaries to Level 1 facilities
- Improve Level 1 facilities to Level 2 standards
- Address other infrastructure and operational requirements
Currently, of the 16 Capitol-run hospitals, 10 are infirmaries, 4 are Level 1 facilities, and 2 are Level 2 hospitals. “In 60 days, we already saw many issues. In the next three years, people will see significant changes,” Gov. Baricuatro said during her State of the Province Address.
Beyond Money
Dr. Catalan explained that financial investment alone is not enough. Strengthening policies, governance, management, and accountability, while empowering hospital personnel, is just as critical.
“It’s an amalgamation of many things: policy, governance, budget, and people who are not empowered. It’s multifactorial,” she noted.
Immediate Relief Through Medical Missions
Recognizing that reforms take time, the Capitol launched province-wide medical and surgical missions to provide free medical services, especially for those in immediate need. These initiatives complement the long-term upgrades and aim to bridge the gap until all hospitals are fully equipped and staffed.
As of August 29, 2025, the Capitol has extended free surgeries valued at at least P48 million, reflecting the administration’s commitment to ensuring that poor and marginalized patients receive quality healthcare while systemic reforms are underway.
Strengthening Healthcare from the Ground Up
Gov. Baricuatro’s approach focuses on strengthening the base of the healthcare pyramid. Ensuring that essential medicines, adequate manpower, and proper equipment are in place lays the foundation for a stronger, more equitable healthcare system in Cebu.
With sustained reforms, significant investment, and ongoing medical missions, the Capitol aims to transform its hospitals into hubs of accessible and reliable care—where all Cebuanos, rich or poor, can expect the basics to be there when they need them most.
