Expansion of WVSUMC to address demand for medical workers — Romualdez

First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez lead the groundbreaking of the West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSUMC) expansion project for the construction of a smart, state-of-the-art 15-story tower complex to meet the growing healthcare needs of Visayas region and even Mindanao. With them are Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Janette Garin, Commission on Higher Education and WVSU Board of Regents Chairman Prospero De Vera, several other government officials and other stakeholders. (Contributed photo)

MANILA, Philippines — The expansion of the West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSUMC) will help address the demand for healthcare workers, as well as boost preparedness against future health crises, said Speaker Martin Romualdez on Thursday.

Romualdez made the pronouncement during the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSUMC), also attended by First Lady Liza Araneta – Marcos and other lawmakers.

“This facility is poised to become a critical hub for medical training, addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals equipped to handle future health challenges,” Romualdez said.

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Romualdez also said that the project signals a step to addressing the evolving healthcare needs of Filipinos, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He then stressed the importance of preparedness and innovation in advancing healthcare.

“Let’s nurture this endeavor, which promises to enhance healthcare services and education significantly. Together, we will watch this institution rise as a symbol of our collective commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community,” he said.

The P2.75 billion expansion aims to construct a 15-story tower complex at the WVSUMC.

It will include a 352-inpatient bed capacity, along with general and specialty healthcare treatment and diagnostic services, medical education, training, and support facilities.

The first phase of the construction is scheduled from April 2024 to August 2025, with subsequent phases to follow until the project’s completion in December 2030.