Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has filed Senate Bill 2324 seeking to upgrade the Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital in Roxas City into a Level III general hospital to be renamed the Capiz Medical Center and placed under the Department of Health (DoH).

The measure seeks to expand the hospital’s medical services, facilities, workforce and bed capacity to meet the growing healthcare needs of Capiz and nearby provinces.

The Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital, currently a Level II government hospital, serves as the province’s primary public healthcare facility. Go said its upgrade would improve access to specialized medical services closer to home.

Under the bill, the DoH, in coordination with the Capiz provincial government, would prepare a transition plan within 180 days for the hospital’s renationalization.

Future increases in bed capacity must be matched by upgrades in facilities, equipment, services and personnel.

The proposal also calls for additional doctors, nurses and support staff, with funding to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.