President Marcos has signed into law measures that increase the capabilities of hospitals in different parts of the country to cater to the needs of the people.

Marcos signed on Oct. 26 Republic Act (RA) No. 12040 which upgraded the Bangui District Hospital in Bangui, Ilocos Norte into a Level II district hospital.

Under this law, the hospitals' existing professional healthcare services and facilities shall also be upgraded to conform with the changes brought about by this measure.

The existing workforce of the Bangui District Hospital shall likewise be increased.

All funds necessary for the maintenance and other expenses of the Bangui District Hospital, including funds for the increased manpower and bed capacity, will be provided by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte.

The Department of Health (DOH)’s classification of healthcare facilities states that hospitals under the Level 1 bracket, which is the most basic, do not require intensive care units (ICU) and cater to patients who need minor care and supervision.

A Level 2 hospital, meanwhile, contains all the elements of Level 1, with additional facilities like an ICU for critically ill patients and specialist doctors for gynecology and pediatric services.

Meanwhile, President Marcos also signed RA No. 12041 which increased the bed capacity of Teodoro B. Galagar District Hospital in Jagna, Bohol from 75 to 100 beds.

RA No. 12042, on the other hand, increased the bed capacity of the Cong. Simeon G. Toribio Memorial Hospital in Carmen, Bohol from 40 to 75.

Under the two new laws, any further increase in bed capacity shall be consistent with the hospital development plan prepared by the hospital chief and submitted to the Department of Health (DOH).

With the increase in the bed capacity, the existing healthcare services and facilities of the said hospitals shall also be upgraded.

The Provincial Government of Bohol shall provide the necessary funds to cover the said hospitals' maintenance and other operating expenses.

It shall also appropriate funds for additional human resources and upgrades to the hospitals' service facilities and professional healthcare services to complement the increase in bed capacity.

The Health secretary shall include support for the three hospitals' capital outlay requirements in the DOH's subsidy program.

These three laws shall take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.