Bayambang: The Julius K. Quiambao Medical and Wellness Center Inc., a tertiary level 2 hospital, is bringing quality healthcare to underserved localities in Pangasinan, complementing government-run healthcare providers. Medical Director Dr. Dave Gamboa said in a press conference on Wednesday that the 100-bed capacity hospital has been averaging 50 admitted patients, 45 to 50 outpatient consultations, and 48 hemodialysis patients per day since it began operations in October of last year.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gamboa stated that the hospital is not in competition but acts as a complement to government-run hospitals. The facility is initially targeting underserved municipalities near Bayambang, such as Basista, Bautista, Santo Tomas, Mangatarem, Urbiztondo, Alcala, and Malasiqui, but also receives patients from other parts of Pangasinan and nearby Camiling, Tarlac.

So far, the most common cases handled in its 10 months of operation include diarrhea, pneumonia, stroke, heart attacks, and some complicated newborn cases. Gamboa mentioned plans to add 20 more hemodialysis machines and open new facilities such as an eye center, chemotherapy unit, wound care center, and sleep center in the future.

Hospital administrator Arnel Glorioso highlighted the center's accreditation by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, which allows it to honor packages under PhilHealth, including YAKAP-an enhanced primary care benefit package. He emphasized the hospital's alignment with government programs, ensuring that indigents unable to pay their bills are referred to government agencies for assistance.

The hospital offers a wide range of services, including critical care, a pediatric center, institutional pharmacy, emergency medicine, nutrition management, and various diagnostic services such as general radiography, computed tomography (CT) scans, ultrasound, and mammography. It also provides a wellness component focusing on mental wellness and the overall well-being of patients.