CEBU — Residents of the Camotes Islands now have a full medical team at their doorstep. The Cebu Provincial Government has expanded the physician roster at Ricardo L. Maningo Memorial Hospital to 20, dramatically reducing the need for costly and dangerous sea crossings to mainland Cebu for specialized care.
A Complete Team on Island Ground
The hospital’s medical staff now includes two surgeons, two anesthesiologists, one obstetrician‑gynecologist, two pediatricians, four internal medicine specialists, and nine resident doctors. This lineup means that surgeries, childbirth emergencies, and critical pediatric cases can be handled locally. Patients who once endured hours of travel in rough seas can now receive timely treatment within their island community.
The expansion was a direct response to the crisis Governor Pamela Baricuatro identified upon taking office: severe shortages of doctors, nurses, and medical supplies in Capitol‑run hospitals. She tasked Capitol Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan to work with hospital chief Dr. Rene Macario S. Borromeo to fill the gaps. The result is a fully staffed facility that operates like a mainland hospital.
From Critical Shortage to Comprehensive Care
Before the expansion, Camotes families faced agonizing decisions when illness struck. A pregnant mother with complications or a child with a high fever often had to be ferried to Cebu City, losing precious time and money. Now, an obstetrician can perform emergency C‑sections, pediatricians can treat severe infections, and internists can manage chronic diseases—all without leaving the island.
Governor Baricuatro’s commitment to fixing the healthcare system prioritized geographically isolated communities. She saw that island residents deserved the same quality of care as those in the city. By deploying specialists and resident doctors, the Capitol transformed a struggling district hospital into a dependable center of healing.
Infrastructure Support for Better Care
The personnel boost is matched by facility upgrades. The hospital now has a ten‑unit hemodialysis center offering free or subsidized treatments for kidney patients. New laparoscopic equipment allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures, leading to faster recovery and less pain. These advancements attract more patients to seek early intervention rather than delaying care until a costly trip to the city becomes unavoidable.
A three‑story building is under construction to increase bed capacity from 25 to 150 and to support the hospital’s application for Department of Health Level 1 accreditation. The expanded emergency room and a new sewage treatment plant further improve the hospital environment. These upgrades ensure that the growing medical team has the tools and space needed to deliver quality healthcare consistently.
A Healthier Community, A Stronger Island
With 20 doctors now serving the four municipalities of Poro, Tudela, Pilar, and San Francisco, the Camotes Islands are poised for healthier futures. Families can invest more in education and livelihoods instead of spending on emergency transport and city hospitals. The presence of a complete medical staff also makes the islands more attractive for residents and visitors alike.
Governor Baricuatro’s administration has proven that with targeted investment and strong leadership, isolated communities can gain access to specialized healthcare. The Camotes hospital is no longer a place to be evacuated from but a place to be treated and to heal.
