“𝐃𝐎𝐊 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘𝐀” 𝐃𝐄𝐁𝐔𝐓𝐒, 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋’𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐒
The Cebu Provincial Government launched the maiden episode of “Dok Storya”, a new online talk show designed to explain and inform the public about the Capitol’s healthcare reforms under the administration of Gov. Pamela Baricuatro.
Streamed live on the Cebu Province Facebook page on January 14, the program is hosted by Capitol Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan and Dr. Stanley Caminero, chairperson of the Provincial Board’s committee on health.
Key topics addressed during the discussion included the Department of Health’s referral system, PhilHealth registration, interim measures, long-term programs, and the province’s health budget for 2026.
𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
Dr. Catalan clarified that the Capitol directly oversees only 16 hospitals—four provincial and 12 district hospitals—in terms of budget, manpower, and policy direction. With 10 of these still operating as infirmaries, patient referrals to higher-capability facilities are often necessary.
Since hospitals differ in capacity, the referral system is sometimes blamed for delays when transferring critical patients from lower-tier to higher-capability facilities.
To address these limitations, Dr. Catalan said the province is upgrading hospitals’ facilities through new buildings, additional medical equipment, and hiring more healthcare workers. She noted these improvements take time due to government procurement processes.
𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲
“Ang aim sa leadership ni Governor Pam nga dili lang mo-upgrade ang atoang hospital category, capability of care, but also the absorptive capacity in terms of bed capacity,” Dr. Caminero said. “Mao nang naa tay daghang infra projects, buildings para sa hospitals in the 2026 budget.”
Data from the Provincial Budget Office shows healthcare getting the biggest chunk of the Capitol’s ₱11.9 billion annual allocation for 2026.
The allocation underscores the priority given to health by Governor Baricuatro, who won the May 2025 elections on a platform of improving Cebu’s healthcare services.
PhilHealth and Medical Missions
The discussion also stressed the importance of PhilHealth registration, particularly for indigents, seniors, persons with disabilities, and DSWD beneficiaries. Officials noted that unregistered patients lead to unpaid hospital claims, straining the finances of Capitol-run hospitals.
“Kon gusto mong makatabang sa health sector, parehistro mog PhilHealth kay automatic na siya, dali ma-process ang claims and PhilHealth will pay the hospital,” Dr. Caminero said.
As an interim measure, Dr. Catalan said the Capitol is conducting province-wide medical and surgical missions while long-term improvements are underway. The upcoming missions include:
· January 24–25: Malabuyoc and Badian (cataract surgery, dental services, minor/major surgeries)
· February 9–12: CPH Carcar (with doctors from California)
· February 21–22: Bantayan District Hospital (with Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center)
· March 28–29: Ricardo L. Maningo Memorial Hospital, San Francisco, Camotes (with Sui Generis Mission and VSMMC)
“Way pihig-pihig ni ang serbisyohan sa medical missions, bahalag diin ka nangampanya sa miagiang eleksyon, kay ang health para man sa tanan,” Dr. Caminero said.
“Dok Storya” will continue as a regular online program to provide updates on healthcare reforms and to strengthen public understanding of the provincial government’s health initiatives. | CAPITOL PIO
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