Members of the Provincial Development Council are requesting operational updates from the Gov. Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Center, questioning delays in patient admissions six months after the facility’s soft opening.
The council has asked the Department of Health to provide information about whether the hospital in Cortes town has begun admitting patients for treatment, according to council proceedings.
Private sector representative Argeo Melisimo questioned the prolonged delay in admissions following the hospital’s September 2025 soft opening.
The Gallares hospital in Tagbilaran consistently operates beyond capacity, and officials say opening the Cortes facility for admissions would help alleviate overcrowding at the Tagbilaran campus.
Van Philip Baton, a DOH development officer, assured council members they would receive updates on the hospital’s status and patient admission timeline.
Earlier reports indicated the medical center would begin accepting patients in March 2026, particularly those requiring cardiac surgery.
Board Member Mutya Macuno said the facility will operate as a general hospital once equipment and facilities are complete.
Nipah Virus
In a related news, the Department of Health and City Health Office in Tagbilaran have heightened surveillance for potential Nipah virus cases following reports of infections in India, though no cases have been reported in Bohol.
Robin Culpa, City Health Office spokesman, said authorities have implemented preventive measures against the virus, which previously entered the Philippines about 12 years ago in Sultan Kudarat.
Health officials have alerted Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams and intensified public awareness campaigns about the virus and its symptoms while implementing minimum health standards.
Culpa urged vigilance, noting Nipah virus has a higher fatality rate than COVID-19.
He recommended wearing face masks in public places and maintaining physical distance, especially from symptomatic individuals.
The DOH said it is coordinating with health facilities and local government units for proper surveillance and prompt reporting of suspected cases.
The Philippines is classified as low-risk for the virus, but officials warn against complacency.
Nipah virus can cause encephalitis or meningitis and may be fatal.
Initial symptoms resemble influenza, making early detection difficult.
Health authorities say avoiding contact with infected animals or people reduces transmission risk.