Plan to build new PGH complex in QC gains traction

UP-PGH PPP Projects

MANILA, Philippines — The plan to build a new complex for the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Diliman, Quezon City, is making headway.

The project is now a step closer to being opened for private sector bidding after the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) had it elevated to its highest decision-making body for approval.

According to the Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs of the University of the Philippines (UP OVPAA), proposals for the UP-PGH Diliman project—as well as for the new PGH Cancer Center in Manila—have been submitted to the ICC’s technical board for reendorsement to the Cabinet committee.

Once approved, they will be presented to Neda to be opened for bidding.

The OVPAA expressed “high hopes” that the two projects—both major public-private partnerships (PPPs) supported by the Duterte administration—will be approved.

“While we are able to get appropriations for capital outlay, funding from GAA (General Appropriations Act) is never enough to support the physical development requirements of our eight constituent universities,” OVPAA said. “Therefore, to the best interest of the university, we have entered into contracts with the private sector where we see the benefit of engaging with them.”

The office also gave assurances that “no privatization” of government assets will happen under the two PPPs.

Serving the poor

The state university seeks to establish new public tertiary hospitals that can provide quality services for the poor.

If approved, UP-PGH Diliman will be constructed within a 4.2-hectare area at Pook Arboretum inside UP Diliman campus. The hospital will have a 700-bed capacity, as well as house a new College of Medicine, among others.

Proponents hope that the new facility will help decongest the original PGH in UP Manila, which serves around 600,000 patients a year.

Should the bidding get the green light, private sector partners will handle the design and construction, as well as the procurement and installation of medical equipment. The concessionaire’s contract will be for 25 years.

The new PGH Cancer Center will be located within the UP Manila area and will have a 200 to 300-bed capacity. The concessionaire’s contract will be for 30 years.

It hopes to meet the challenges of cancer care in the country where, according to a study by the Manila National Institutes of Health, 189 in every 100,000 Filipinos are afflicted with the disease.