Philippines Department of Health intervenes in Samar hospital overcrowding

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) has ordered emergency assistance for two government hospitals in Samar following a severe overcrowding crisis. Data from October 19, 2026, revealed that Calbayog District Hospital was housing 181 patients despite having only 75 authorized beds. Similarly, the Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City was accommodating between 200 and 250 patients against a 100-bed capacity.

In response to an appeal from Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan, Health Secretary Edwin Mercado directed the DOH Eastern Visayas regional office to provide temporary patient accommodations, additional medical teams, and extra healthcare personnel. Mercado also ordered an assessment of hospital congestion and patient referral arrangements.

Governor Tan expressed appreciation for the prompt response but emphasized the need for permanent solutions, such as hospital expansion and increased medical equipment. She also called for the release of P440 million in appropriated funds intended for infrastructure and medical equipment for the two facilities.