Robredo Pushes Primary Health Care Expansion to Decongest Naga Hospitals

Mayor Leni Robredo is moving for the development of robust primary healthcare facilities as a critical strategy to ease the crushing burden on Naga City’s main hospitals. The initiative comes as the Naga City General Hospital (NCGH) struggles with severe overcrowding, a situation exacerbated by residents habitually flocking to the hospital for common ailments that should be managed at the community level.

“Importantehong maray na igwa kitang primary healthcare facilities ta nagrereklamo ang Naga City General Hospital na grabeng marhay an saiyang pasyente tapos siyempre si health habits kan mga tao nadiretso tulos sa hospital,” Mayor Robredo said on a press conference on Monday, October 20. She pointed out that many patients with minor issues—like the common cold or trangkaso—go straight to the hospital.

Robredo highlighted the protocol that simple cases should be handled first by barangay health centers or the City Health Office (CHO), as these facilities are equipped with medicines. However, she noted that the public has grown accustomed to seeking immediate hospital care.

“Kun simpleng abo saka sipon, mas marhay na sa city health nalang magduman… or sa mga saindong barangay health centers. Bako na sa NCGH, bako na sa BMC. Ta nganing dae na mag-urulakitan,” the mayor added. The NCGH worries that with the massive patient influx, they can no longer cater to everyone, which could compromise the quality of care and could lead to patients feeling neglected or worse, being exposed to more serious infections.

Aside from NCGH, the public can also avail healthcare services from the Our Lady of Lourdes Infirmary (OLLI) in Carolina, CHO I in Concepcion Pequena, and CHO II in Sta. Cruz. And several months from now, the Naga City Super Health Center (NCSHC) will also be operational as the city accelerates its strategy to bring essential medical services closer to every Nagueños.

Mayor Robredo reiterated the need to immediately strengthen the Primary Care Facility system so that only those truly needing hospitalization go to the hospital, as she mentioned that the OPD nurses themselves confirm they can no longer cope with the sheer number of patients, especially during peak periods like the current flu season.

This push signals Naga City’s commitment to establishing local access to healthcare and improving public health habits. | via Maida Boragay