THE Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) vowed to keep its thrust in providing adequate medical needs to marginalized sector by constantly improving its facilities and services.
SPMC chief Dr. Leopoldo Vega told reporters Friday that the state-run hospital has gradually developed and transformed from an underdog to a mega hospital and will soon become a facility with 1,500 bed capacity to cater and meet the health demands of Dabawenyos and Mindanaoans.
"Little by little, we're moving away from just a general hospital," Vega said.
He said SPMC is focused on addressing the health cases in Davao City and nearby provinces.
The unveiling of new health facilities in December 2016 is seen to accommodate the growing volume of patients who sought for medical assistance and services.
Among the P142 million worth of new facilities are the four-storey SPMC Central Intensive Care Unit, an in-patient facility with 52 intensive care unit (ICU) beds including a separate stroke unit, and ICU facility for infectious cases with 137-bed general adult medicine wards for clean case.
"The President's directive is very simple - universal health care and that is what we are implementing. We're making sure that everybody, especially the poor, are given quality health care," he said.
He noted they are making the hospital accessible, available, and affordable for underprivileged individuals by constantly enhancing their medical system.
Vega said the biggest challenge SPMC is facing is implementing their vision in reality.
With the continued support of different stakeholders, SPMC will soon become the largest tertiary health care center in the country.