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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Abra solons file crucial bill to upgrade local hospitals

Abra solons file crucial bill to upgrade local hospitals

Published Sep 8, 2025 11:57 pm

At A Glance

  • Citing the importance of qualify and affordable healthcare, Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos and Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos.have filed a measure that seeks to upgrade and expand the province's hospitals and healthcare system in general.
The House plenary (Contributed photo)
The House plenary (Contributed photo)


Citing the importance of qualify and affordable healthcare, Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos and Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos.have filed a measure that seeks to upgrade and expand the province’s hospitals and healthcare system in general.
The Bernoses recognized the urgent need to bring critical medical services closer to Abreños who often travel long hours to access treatment.
House Bill (HB) No. 4307, jointly filed by the two solons, aims to convert the Abra Provincial Hospital into the Dr. Luis F. Bersamin, Sr. Medical Center Complex (DLFBSMCC).
Under the bill, the hospital’s current 50-bed capacity will be expanded to 200 beds and its facilities upgraded to meet Level II standards under the Department of Health (DOH).
The bill will also establish the Gov. Andres B. Bernos Multi-Specialty Medical Center. It is designed to provide specialized services such as cardiology, oncology, and nephrology, which are typically only available in major hospitals outside the province.
“Abra currently has only one public hospital serving more than 250,000 residents. This is not enough. Every time an Abreño has to travel hours to seek treatment, we are reminded of how urgent this upgrade is. This measure is about ensuring that our people can be healed near their homes,” Rep. JB Bernos said.
“Our constituents deserve access to modern, quality healthcare without traveling hours outside the province. This bill will save lives, address overcrowding, and strengthen the health system of our province,” he added.
Rep. Ching Bernos said that “by investing in these hospitals, we are investing in every Abreño family. This is how we carry forward the legacy of service of Dr. Luis F. Bersamin, Sr. and Gov. Andres B. Bernos—by caring for our people in their most vulnerable moments.”
“We want to help give families peace of mind. Para alam nila na pag may nagkasakit sa kanila, hindi nila kailangan bumyahe kung saan-saan para lang makatanggap ng proper health care,” noted the Ilokana lawmaker.
Nationally, the DOH’s Health Facility Development Plan has identified the need to increase hospital bed coverage from approximately 1.2 to 2.7 beds per 1,000 people to meet growing healthcare demands.
In Abra, the current ratio falls short of this target, but expanding hospital’s bed capacity from 50 beds to 200 beds will reduce this gap.
Once enacted, the measure mandates that funding for the expansion—including infrastructure, equipment, and additional healthcare staff—be incorporated into the national budget.
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