With only 0.5 hospital beds per 1,000 Filipinos, the country’s healthcare system is stretched thin — prompting the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to push private hospitals to raise funds through the capital market for much-needed expansions.

The regulator said Monday it introduced hospital owners and administrators to the Securing and Expanding Capital for Hospital Entrepreneurs (SEC HOPES) program, which helps hospitals raise funds for new facilities, technology and service upgrades.

Review period cut to 28 days

Issued under SEC Memorandum Circular No. 11, Series of 2017, SEC HOPES cuts the review period for hospital securities to 28 days — down from the standard 45 days — through a Simplified Registration Statement (SRS).

“The financing needs of the healthcare sector continue to grow, whether in expanding capacity, upgrading facilities, adopting new technologies, or improving service delivery,” SEC chairperson Francis Lim said.

“By providing hospitals with the ability to raise funds efficiently and transparently, we empower them to modernize facilities, scale operations, and bring quality care closer to communities that need it most,” he added.

To date, 18 private hospitals have registered under SEC HOPES, with total shares of P19.95 billion and a total issue value of P17.05 billion.