GENERAL SANTOS CITY — A major upgrade is on the horizon for health care in General Santos City as House Bill No. 00271, which seeks to transform the city hospital into a state-of-the-art regional medical center, has been approved at the committee level.
Sponsored by Congresswoman Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles, the measure proposes converting the existing city hospital into the Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Regional Medical Center, a modern facility directly managed by the Department of Health (DOH).
“This is about giving every General access to quality medical care close to home,” Bañas-Nograles said. “No family should have to travel far or worry about huge medical bills just to get proper treatment.”
Key benefits for residents
The planned transformation promises significant improvements:
- Tripling hospital capacity: From 200 to 600 beds, alleviating overcrowding and reducing waiting times.
- Specialized care available locally: Heart, Lung, Kidney (including dialysis and transplant), Trauma, and Burn Centers will be established, eliminating the need to travel to Davao or other distant cities for complex medical services.
- No balance billing: Once the hospital becomes a DOH regional center, all patients, particularly the indigent, will benefit from the government’s “No Balance Billing” policy.
- Employment opportunities: The upgrade will create jobs for additional doctors, nurses, and medical staff.
- Teaching and training hub: The center will serve as a base hospital for MSU-General Santos College of Medicine, ensuring a steady supply of skilled medical professionals for the future.
- Modernization funding: The bill includes initial funding for facility upgrades, state-of-the-art equipment, and the establishment of specialized centers.
“This is more than a name change—it’s a leap toward world-class medical services for everyone in our city,” Bañas-Nograles emphasized.
If passed into law, the Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Regional Medical Center will mark a new era of accessible, high-quality healthcare in General Santos City, combining modern facilities, expert medical personnel, and training opportunities for the next generation of doctors.
“Let’s work together to build a healthier and stronger future for Gensan,” the congresswoman added.