Tacloban City:The first phase of the PHP5 billion Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) legacy building is set to begin in October, marking a significant step in expanding the region's healthcare infrastructure.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Jenny Lind Lesiguez, the chief of medical professional staff at EVMC, announced that the construction of the 12-story structure will commence soon, with PHP800 million allocated for the initial phase. The preparation for the site is currently underway.
The first phase of the project includes site development and the construction of the first three levels. The area designated for the new building currently hosts 65 occupants, primarily vendors, who have been asked to vacate the premises voluntarily by October 6, 2026, to avoid forced relocation.
A proposed budget of PHP1.2 billion is set for 2027 to fund the second phase of the project, with subsequent funding to be requested through future annual budget allocations. The envisioned facility aims to modernize and improve healthcare delivery with enhanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities.
The new building will feature an expanded tertiary laboratory, a satellite pharmacy, and a comprehensive ultrasound complex. It will also offer advanced imaging services, including CT scans, MRI, radiographic fluoroscopy, mammography, and dental X-ray, facilitating faster and more accurate diagnoses.
The expansion plans include strengthening outpatient and specialized care services, with open outpatient department clinics and an expanded dialysis center. A connecting bridge to the main EVMC building will enable more efficient movement of patients, staff, and medical equipment.
Dr. Lesiguez highlighted that the expansion will increase EVMC's authorized bed capacity from 500 to 1,500. The hospital, situated in Barangay Cabalawan, currently operates with 629 beds but accommodates up to 800 patients, underscoring the need for this expansion.
The regional hospital occupies a 15-hectare property developed after Super Typhoon Yolanda devastated the previous hospital in 2013.
