Bed shortage strains Oriental Mindoro hospitals
Oriental Mindoro. Inquirer files.
CALAPAN CITY—Public hospitals in Oriental Mindoro are grappling with a serious bed shortage, leading to overcrowded facilities and patients being treated in hallways.
The strain is being felt across several hospitals in the province, including the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital (OMPH), Naujan Community Hospital, Oriental Mindoro Central District Hospital, Oriental Mindoro Southern District Hospital, and Bulalacao Community Hospital.
At OMPH, 219 patients are occupying a facility authorized for only 182 beds. Naujan Community Hospital, with a capacity of just 10 beds, is caring for 42 patients.
The Oriental Mindoro Central District Hospital in Pinamalayan, designed for 35 beds, is treating 83 patients.
In Roxas town, the Oriental Mindoro Southern District Hospital has exceeded its 46-bed capacity with 86 patients. Meanwhile, Bulalacao Community Hospital, which can accommodate 15 patients, is attending to 30.
Dr. Cielo Ante, provincial health officer, told the Inquirer on Thursday that the surge in admissions included patients suffering from pediatric pneumonia, hypertension, surgical conditions, and cancer.
“The hospitals are receiving many patients throughout the year, and we also receive patients from the neighboring provinces of Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, and Marinduque,” she said.
According to Ante, the construction of additional wards is expected to be completed by the first or second quarter of next year.
The province also plans to upgrade several satellite hospitals in the coming year.
Ante urged the public to stay informed about medical facts and health protocols to help prevent illnesses and encouraged residents to follow updates from the provincial health office and the Department of Health. —IRE JOE V.C. LAURENTE
