ILOILO CITY—A new law signed by President Duterte is set to increase the bed capacity of the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC), a hospital here owned and managed by the Department of Health (DOH).
“It will improve the services of its medical practitioners through new and upgraded equipment and facilities, while providing more opportunities for healthcare personnel,” said Iloilo City Rep. Julienne Baronda, principal author of the law in the House of Representatives.
From the current 425 beds, WVMC will be able to have a total of 700 beds as Republic Act. No. 11496 stipulates for an additional 275 beds.
The new law is expected to decongest WVMC, which has been serving beyond its capacity since 2017. Its occupancy rate has been on average of 136.30 percent.
WVMC not only caters to less privileged patients of Iloilo City, but also to those coming from Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo provinces.
“Through this, we are a step closer at improving the lives of the Ilonggos through responsive, accessible and quality hospital care,” Baronda added.
The development came at no better time as WVMC has been the government’s main hospital facility caring and treating those afflicted with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).