Marcos inspects newly rebuilt hospital in Eastern Samar

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday inspected the newly constructed Felipe Abrigo Memorial Hospital (FAMH) in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, which was rebuilt after being damaged by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

The hospital features modern facilities and medical equipment, including an emergency room, operating rooms, wards, and a dental clinic, to address the various healthcare needs of patients. 

It is set to fully reopen on Oct. 8, bringing better and more comprehensive medical care closer to the people, particularly those in remote and far-flung communities.

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During a brief media interview, Marcos thanked the government of the Republic of Korea for its assistance for the reconstruction of FAMH.

“It’s good to see their hospital. This is that rose from the ruins of the original hospital that’s completely destroyed by Yolanda. And we are grateful to, of course, the Korean assistance we received. The Ambassador is also here, KOICA [Korea International Cooperation Agency]. And of course, pinagtulungan ito by the national government,” he said.

However, Marcos said FAMH management needs to address another issue to ensure the hospital operates smoothly and efficiently.

“Ang problema na lang natin paano… how to increase the manning, ‘yung nurses. We need more nurses para mabuo na ‘yung 50-bed capacity. Right now, nagagamit pa lang nila is a 25-bed. But we have a… how to augment our nurses para matulungan sila,” he said.

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(The only problem we have now is how to increase the hospital’s staffing, particularly the number of nurses. We need more nurses to fully utilize the hospital’s 50-bed capacity. Right now, they are only able to operate 25 beds. So, we need to find ways to augment the nursing staff and provide them with additional support.)

The president also thanked then-Senator and now Education Secretary Sonny Angara for playing a “major role” in providing support for the hospital’s rehabilitation.

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Angara had included P200 million in the national budget for FAMH when he was chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. /mr