The Senate has approved two major health-related measures aimed at improving the country’s healthcare system: the expansion of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and the establishment of the Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP). Both bills, principally authored by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, passed on their third and final reading on Monday.

Senate Bill 2928 seeks to increase PGH’s bed capacity from 1,334 to 2,200, addressing hospital overcrowding and improving healthcare services for indigent patients. Senator Go expressed gratitude to his colleagues for supporting the bill, emphasizing its significance in providing free and quality medical care.

“The PGH plays a crucial role in our healthcare system. By increasing its capacity, we can serve more patients and ensure that they receive proper medical attention,” Go said.

Established in 1910, PGH is the country’s largest government tertiary hospital, catering to over 700,000 patients annually. However, it has long struggled with overcrowding, often operating at occupancy rates exceeding 200 percent.

The measure also seeks to improve hospital facilities, including the construction of a halfway house for patient watchers, who often endure difficult conditions while caring for their loved ones.

Go highlighted PGH’s role in his healthcare initiatives, particularly through the Malasakit Center, a one-stop shop for medical assistance from various government agencies.

Meanwhile, the Senate also approved the Virology Institute of the Philippines Act, which aims to strengthen the country’s virology research and vaccine development capabilities.