Thru the initiatives of Reps. FM and Yedda Romualdez

MORE EVMC BEDS. The Eastern Visayas Medical Center(EVMC), the region’s biggest public hospital, is now at 1,500 bed capacity following the approval of a measure sponsored by Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and his wife, Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez of Tingog party-list extending its bed capacity from its present bed capacity of more than 600. (FILE PHOTO)

TACLOBAN CITY — Access to expanded, modern, and free medical services in Eastern Visayas has been strengthened following the passage of a law upgrading the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC), the region’s largest government-run hospital.

The expansion was made possible through Republic Act No. 11567, which originated from House Bill No. 6972 authored by Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez.

The law mandates the development and modernization of EVMC to meet growing healthcare demands in the Visayas.

Under the law, EVMC’s bed capacity will be increased to 1,500, significantly expanding its ability to accommodate patients from across Eastern Visayas and neighboring regions.
The measure also provides for the acquisition of modern medical equipment and upgraded hospital facilities aimed at improving the accuracy, efficiency, and quality of medical treatment.

One of the key features of the law is the institutionalization of a zero-billing policy, ensuring that qualified patients will no longer shoulder hospital expenses, in line with the government’s Universal Health Care program.

EVMC serves as the main referral hospital in Eastern Visayas, catering not only to residents of Leyte and Samar provinces but also to patients from nearby regions seeking specialized and tertiary-level care. Prior to the passage of the law, the hospital faced persistent challenges, including overcrowding, limited bed capacity, and resource constraints, as patient admissions continued to rise.

Supporters of the measure said the expanded and modernized EVMC would help decongest hospital wards, reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients, and bring world-class healthcare services closer to communities in the Visayas.

From a legislative proposal to an enacted law, Republic Act 11567 marks a major milestone in strengthening the region’s public healthcare system, with officials saying the upgraded EVMC is expected to play a crucial role in improving health outcomes and access to quality medical care for millions of Filipinos in Eastern Visayas.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)