Catbalogan city: The Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City, Samar has announced it is currently operating beyond its capacity due to a surge in the number of patients seeking medical care. In an advisory issued on Thursday, the hospital reported that all its 100 regular beds are fully occupied, with a total of 275 patients now being attended to - nearly three times its intended capacity.

According to Philippines News Agency, hospital management assured the public that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers are doing their best to provide adequate care for all patients despite the overcrowding and limited space. 'For those who urgently need admission, temporary arrangements are being made while waiting for regular wards to become available,' the advisory said.

The hospital also urged residents to seek early consultation through the outpatient department (OPD) before their conditions become severe, to prevent further congestion in the facility. 'We thank everyone for their continued understanding and cooperation,' the hospital added.

SPH is a level 1,100-bed public hospital serving 806,179 residents across the province of Samar. Level 1 hospital is the most basic type of general hospital, providing essential services like an operating room, recovery room, maternity facilities, a functional clinical laboratory, an imaging facility, and a pharmacy.

Aside from the provincial hospital, Samar has three district hospitals in Calbayog City and the towns of Basey and Gandara, with a combined bed capacity of 126. There is also a municipal hospital in Tarangnan town with a 10-bed capacity. The entire province has a total hospital bed capacity of 236, which means that the hospital bed and population ratio is 1:3,430, below the 1:1,000 ratio recommended by World Health Organization for the country.