DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – The provincial government of Pangasinan recently broke ground for the construction of a community hospital in the municipality of Alcala, marking a step toward enhancing healthcare accessibility for residents and neighboring municipalities.
The project is expected to provide immediate, quality medical services to the local community and surrounding towns, including Sto. Tomas, Bautista, Bayambang, Basista, and Villasis.
The facility, spanning 3,000 square meters, will be housed in a four-story building with a capacity of 50 beds.
The provincial government has allocated an initial budget of P250 million for the construction, with the first phase expected to be completed within two years.
Work will commence following the lifting of the election ban on public works.
Once completed, the Alcala Community Hospital will offer a wide range of services, including a clinical laboratory, dialysis center, diagnostic facilities, minor operating rooms, and delivery rooms for obstetrics and gynecology services.
State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, including ultrasound, X-ray, and computed tomography (CT) scan machines, will also be available to support comprehensive medical care.
The hospital is part of a broader initiative by the provincial government to enhance healthcare services across Pangasinan.
With a goal to ensure that 100% of Pangasinenses have access to quality and affordable healthcare, the province plans to establish 20 additional hospitals by 2031.
This includes a network of tertiary hospitals and specialty centers, such as the Pangasinan Heart Center, Pangasinan Kidney Center, Pangasinan Lung Center, and Pangasinan Children’s Medical Center.
Doctor Vivian Villar-Espino, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Health Office, emphasized the importance of this new hospital for the local community.
“The leading health concerns in Pangasinan include upper respiratory infections, asthma, and bronchitis. This hospital will significantly benefit Alcala and its neighboring towns by offering accessible, immediate care,” she said.
She added, “The people of Alcala and the neighboring towns are very fortunate to have access to the services that the provincial government of Pangasinan can provide, as health is a primary priority of the government.”
Lovely Sarmiento, a 41-year-old resident of Barangay San Juan in Alcala, expressed her appreciation for the new hospital, highlighting its convenience.
“We’re incredibly grateful that the hospital is being built here. It means we no longer have to travel long distances for medical treatment. This hospital will be a huge help to all of us,” Sarmiento said.
With a population of over three million, Pangasinan is committed to improving its healthcare system through ongoing investments in hospital infrastructure, medical equipment, and human resources.
This includes recruiting more doctors, specialists, and nurses to meet the needs of its growing population. (AMB/RPM/PIA Pangasinan)
