New 250-Bed Hospital in Sorsogon Set to Decongest Overcrowded Facilities 

Published by HospitalNews.ph | April 2025

The Philippine government has officially begun the construction of a new four-story, 250-bed hospital in Barangay Buenavista, Irosin, Sorsogon. Funded with ₱144 million from the 2024 General Appropriations Act, the facility is expected to significantly decongest existing hospitals in the province and improve healthcare access for residents in the second district of Sorsogon—covering the municipalities of Bulan, Santa Magdalena, Matnog, and Irosin.

Addressing Overcrowding and Infrastructure Gaps

The project addresses a long-standing issue of congestion at the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital in Sorsogon City, where patients have been treated in hallways due to overcrowding. Likewise, the Irosin District Hospital (IDH), currently a Level 1 facility with just 25 beds, caters to 80 to 100 patients daily—far beyond its capacity. The IDH also lacks a CT scan and other essential diagnostic tools, and its infrastructure falls short of Department of Health (DOH) standards.

Dr. Sherwin Amisola, chief of the Irosin District Hospital, noted, "If the new provincial hospital opens here in Irosin, we will be better equipped to accommodate patients, thereby reducing congestion at the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital."

Improved Healthcare Access for Remote Areas

The new hospital aims to reduce the need for patients to travel far for quality care. Susan Abarnas, a local resident, recounted having to bring her husband all the way to Sorsogon Provincial Hospital due to the limited resources at IDH. "The travel was long and difficult. A hospital closer to home would make all the difference," she said.

With the new facility, healthcare services will become more accessible to residents in rural areas who often experience delays in receiving timely medical attention.

A Key Part of National Health Goals

This construction project is aligned with the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) under the Marcos Jr. administration. The HFEP aims to modernize the country’s healthcare infrastructure, including the construction and renovation of hospitals and health centers across the country. The program also focuses on equipping facilities with updated medical technologies and supplies.

Once operational in 2026, the new provincial hospital in Irosin is expected to serve as a model for regionally focused healthcare development, bridging the gap between urban and rural health service access.

📌 Quick Overview

• Location: Barangay Buenavista, Irosin, Sorsogon

• Capacity: 250 beds, four stories

• Funding: ₱144 million

• Purpose: Alleviate overcrowding in existing hospitals and enhance healthcare access in Sorsogon's second district

• Expected Operation: 2026