DUMAGUETE CITY – The provincial government is urgently seeking solutions to accommodate the influx of patients at the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital (NOPH) in the capital, as the facility struggles to cope with a surge in cases, many of which involve concerns over dengue.
Dr. Liland Estacion, chief of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), informed reporters on Thursday that the Department of Health-accredited capacity at NOPH is 250 beds.
“But we currently have some 600 patients at the NOPH and about 80 additional in the emergency room,” Estacion stated.
She noted that many patients showing dengue symptoms are seeking early consultation and are eager for immediate hospital admission. Additionally, some patients are coming from nearby provinces like Siquijor for treatment of other illnesses.
The surge in patients began earlier this week, though Estacion acknowledged that this is a “perennial problem” for NOPH, which is obligated by law to accommodate all patients despite its limited capacity.
To address the overcrowding, Estacion mentioned that one strategy being considered is a review of the referral system from district and community primary hospitals across the province.
In a meeting with hospital heads on Wednesday, Estacion emphasized the importance of initial consultation and diagnosis at the nearest health centers in rural areas. Patients should only be referred to NOPH if absolutely necessary, while cases with mild symptoms should be managed at primary health care facilities to prevent further overcrowding at the provincial hospital.