The Samar Provincial Hospital (SPH) in Catbalogan City is operating beyond its capacity amid a surge in patients seeking medical care.
In a Thursday advisory, the hospital reported that all 100 regular beds are fully occupied, with 275 patients currently being attended to—nearly three times its intended capacity.
Hospital management assured the public that doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers are doing their best to provide adequate care despite overcrowding.
“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) to help prevent further congestion.
SPH, a level 1, 100-bed public hospital, serves 806,179 residents across Samar. Aside from SPH, the province has three district hospitals in Calbayog City, Basey, and Gandara, with a combined capacity of 126 beds, plus a 10-bed municipal hospital in Tarangnan.
The province’s total hospital bed capacity of 236 translates to a ratio of 1 bed per 3,430 residents, significantly below the World Health Organization’s recommended 1:1,000 ratio.
“We thank everyone for their continued understanding and cooperation,” the hospital added.