Kapampangans facing heart problems may soon no longer need to travel to Manila for life-saving procedures. Governor Lilia Pineda has confirmed that plans are underway to expand specialized services at the newly inaugurated Pampanga Provincial Hospital-Clark (PPH-Clark), including the addition of a catheterization laboratory for heart procedures like angiograms and angioplasty .
Governor Pineda made the announcement following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s inspection of the state-of-the-art facility on May 14, 2026 . The P601.74-million hospital, located at Changi Gateway in Clark Global City, is the first government hospital established within the Clark Freeport Zone and is projected to serve over 151,500 employees, business locators, and investors in the area.
A Proactive Healthcare Vision for the Province
Governor Pineda has been clear about the hospital’s mission beyond basic treatment. “Ito ay ipinatayo talaga [para sa] preventive healthcare ko. Maraming gagawing examination sa tao para hindi siya magka-cancer, para hindi lumala yung sakit niya,” she said, emphasizing that early detection and prevention are central to the facility’s philosophy . The governor envisions that the addition of a cath lab would allow residents to receive critical heart interventions without enduring long waiting times or traveling far from home.
The 143-bed Level II hospital is already equipped with modern diagnostic capabilities including X-ray machines, CT scan units, endoscopy systems, and mammogram equipment, and offers comprehensive services such as an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and cardiovascular care . The hospital is also seeking PhilHealth YAKAP accreditation to provide free primary care services to members.
Immediate Alternatives for Cardiac Care
While awaiting the cath lab expansion at PPH-Clark, Kapampangans needing immediate heart procedures have accessible options. The Medical City Clark, also located within Clark Global City, currently houses the first Hybrid Catheterization Laboratory in North and Central Luzon, performing angiograms, angioplasties, and cardiac surgeries. Meanwhile, the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH) in San Fernando established its specialized Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory in March 2023, offering interventional cardiovascular procedures to residents across the province.
The DOH’s investment in JBLMGH’s cath lab was completed in just 120 days, and former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo noted that the facility has “given JBLMGH the edge over many private hospitals” . With PPH-Clark’s planned expansion, Central Luzon is steadily building a network of specialized cardiac facilities, reducing dependence on Metro Manila hospitals and bringing healing closer to Kapampangan families.
