P1B donation completes Clark children's medical center

A ₱1-billion donation from Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels Inc. Chairman and CEO Enrique K. Razon Jr. has enabled the completion of the Department of Health–Jose B. Lingad (DOH-JBL) Children's Medical Center at the Clark Freeport Zone in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

The 100-bed Level 2 government hospital, inaugurated this week, was completed in two years and aims to improve access to specialized pediatric healthcare in Central Luzon.

Razon said the project responds to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s call to establish regional specialty hospitals to expand access to healthcare services outside Metro Manila.

"This is not a business venture. It is a contribution to our nation's development and, more importantly, a worthwhile investment in the future," Razon emphasized.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) provided major hospital equipment, while the Clark Development Corp. donated the project site and extended technical support.

The DOH-JBL Children's Medical Center is the first phase of the planned Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center, which will eventually include a Renal Center, Cardiovascular Center and Cancer Center with a total capacity of about 1,200 beds.

The hospital will officially open to patients on Aug. 1, offering emergency and urgent care, outpatient specialty clinics, pediatric subspecialty services, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services and other essential healthcare support.