The Department of Health (DOH) has started the construction of the P300-million Aurora Medical Center (AUMEC) in the town of Baler, Aurora, on 18 August 2026.

The AUMEC is the province’s first Level III hospital and is set to bring specialized healthcare services closer to residents. The DOH hospital was established under Republic Act No. 12240, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in August 2025.

Aurora Vice Governor Patrick Alexis Angara said the project is an important step toward bringing more advanced healthcare services to residents.

"Sa pamamagitan nito, mas mapapalapit po sa ating mga kababayan ang kinakailangang healthcare services at mababawasan ang pangangailangang bumiyahe pa nang malayo para lamang makapagpagamot," he said.

AUMEC will have four floors and a 200-bed capacity building. The facility will include an emergency department, outpatient department, dialysis center, laboratory, radiology unit, and physical rehabilitation amenities.

It will also house an intensive care unit, a neonatal intensive care unit, a delivery complex, and a surgical complex.

Expected to rise in Baler town, the facility will be completed and opened to the public within two to three years.

Angara said the project will benefit communities across the province by strengthening Aurora’s healthcare capacity and improving access to quality and modern medical services.

"Malaking bagay po ang proyektong ito, hindi lamang para sa Baler kundi para sa buong Aurora, sapagkat layunin nitong palakasin ang kapasidad ng ating healthcare system at magbigay ng mas accessible, de-kalidad, at makabagong serbisyong medikal para sa ating mga kababayan," he said.

Meanwhile, DOH Central Luzon Center for Health Development said the facility supports the goal of Universal Health Care by bringing inclusive and comprehensive medical services closer to communities in Aurora and nearby areas.

It was designed as a disaster-resilient health facility to ensure continuous healthcare services during emergencies and disasters.

Once completed, AUMEC is expected to strengthen the province’s capacity to respond to medical emergencies and provide specialized treatment services closer to home.

The project will ease the burden on patients and their families by reducing the need to travel to other provinces for higher-level healthcare services.