DAVAO CITY (March 6) — The proposed expansion of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) to a 2,500-bed capacity has been approved in the Lower House, paving the way for what hospital officials say could significantly ease congestion and improve public health services in Mindanao.
SPMC chief of hospitals Dr. Ricardo Audan confirmed Wednesday that the measure increasing the hospital’s authorized bed capacity was approved on Feb. 25, 2026 during a congressional hearing.
“This will come later on once it becomes a law but at least in the lower house [Congress] it is approved,” Audan said during a media forum.
Addressing chronic congestion
Currently operating beyond its authorized capacity, SPMC is the largest government hospital in Mindanao and serves not only Davao City residents but also patients referred from across the region and neighboring provinces.
The proposed 2,500-bed capacity will cover the entire hospital system, including all specialty departments — a move expected to improve patient-to-bed ratios, reduce hallway admissions, and shorten waiting times for critical services.
Audan said lawmakers also signaled support for a higher target of up to 3,000 beds during deliberations, after he presented the hospital’s census data reflecting persistent overcrowding.
Workforce, budget boost needed
The expansion will require a significant increase in manpower and funding.
SPMC currently employs 6,250 personnel — including 3,720 plantilla positions and about 2,300 job order workers. A larger bed capacity would mean hiring more doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and support staff to maintain quality of care.
Audan expressed optimism that legislators would correspondingly increase the hospital’s annual budget to support expanded specialty services, upgraded facilities, and investments in advanced medical technologies.
National recognition
The expansion push comes as SPMC gains international recognition. The hospital was ranked 29th nationwide in the “World’s Best Hospitals 2026” list published by Newsweek.
The ranking was based on measurable indicators including quality of care, patient outcomes, peer recommendations, and overall institutional performance.
For Davao City and surrounding communities, the planned expansion signals a long-term investment in public health infrastructure — one aimed at matching the region’s growing population with accessible, high-quality government healthcare.
