Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital reports more patients amid debate over DOH takeover
The provincial hospital in Digos City says patient volumes, surgeries and equipment rose in the first eight months of 2026, and argues that a transfer to the Department of Health would not by itself solve its problems.
The Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital (DSPH) in Digos City reported higher patient volumes, more procedures and new medical equipment from January to August 2026, according to SunStar. The figures come as social media users debate whether the provincial hospital should be placed under the Department of Health (DOH).
Figures presented at a provincial government convocation showed outpatient consultations rising 19 percent from the same period in 2025, from 22,470 to 26,842. Surgeries went up 46 percent, from 1,017 to 1,488, and admissions increased from 6,074 to 6,444. Filled prescriptions nearly doubled to 144,472, while outpatient turnaround time reportedly dropped from 180 minutes to 76 minutes. Inpatient referrals to other facilities fell from 41 to eight.
The hospital said it used a P100-million loan to buy equipment, including a P45-million 64-slice CT scanner, anesthesia machines and ventilators. The DOH separately donated items such as a P13.8-million laparoscopic tower. DSPH also reported collecting P191.9 million from PhilHealth against P206.36 million billed.
In a statement responding to online criticism, DSPH acknowledged ongoing challenges but said a transfer to DOH management would not automatically fix them, since improvements also depend on funding, staffing, infrastructure and licensing. It said it can receive national government support without being DOH-operated, citing the Universal Health Care framework's call for cooperation among the DOH, provinces and local governments. The hospital also asked the public not to use it as a platform for political attacks.
Some online commenters compared DSPH, a 100-bed Level 2 hospital owned by the provincial government, with the DOH-run Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.
DSPH chief Dr. Jaime Marcelo Razo said the hospital remains committed to the province despite continuing challenges, adding that "DSPH will prevail."
Meanwhile, Gregorio Matas District Hospital in Kiblawan reported about P4.29 million in PhilHealth income over the same eight months, and its imaging department served 1,311 patients.
Why it matters for Davao
How Davao del Sur's hospitals perform affects whether nearby patients are treated close to home or referred elsewhere. Online commenters drew comparisons with the DOH-run Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.
This article was written by the DavaoNews desk with AI assistance, using reporting by SunStar. Facts come from the original report, which we credit and link below. Our editorial policy
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