Newly-constructed South Cotabato Provincial Hospital extension building officially turned over

The blessing and official turnover of the newly constructed South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH) Extension Building took place today, February 10, 2025. Located at the Protech Center, adjacent to the SCPH Main Building, the facility is designed to enhance healthcare services for the province.

The new extension will temporarily serve as the hospital’s outpatient department, allowing much-needed renovations on the old main hospital structure. It will also soon house essential medical services, including the Operating Room (OR) Complex and Nursing Services. Additionally, designated spaces for administrative offices and a pharmacy will improve hospital operations.

For now, only the ground floor is operational, but this turnover marks a significant step toward a fully modernized healthcare system in South Cotabato. The completion of the entire facility remains a priority to accommodate more patients in the future.

The construction of this state-of-the-art extension was made possible through a collaboration between the Department of Health – Center for Health Development and the Provincial Government of South Cotabato. The project broke ground on December 9, 2022, with construction officially beginning on January 29, 2023.

Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. earlier emphasized that this expansion demonstrates the province’s commitment to improving healthcare services. He also announced plans to build an additional facility at the Protech Center to further increase hospital capacity.

“Our Provincial Hospital was originally built for 200 patients but currently serves around 400 daily. With the completion of this extension, we aim to accommodate 800 to 1,000 patients, ensuring more South Cotabateños receive quality medical care,” Governor Tamayo stated.

To complement the expansion, the governor highlighted the need to improve the patient referral system to ease overcrowding. “We are maximizing our manpower to provide specialized medical services not only for South Cotabateños but also for patients from neighboring provinces,” he added.

Governor Tamayo also reaffirmed the province’s inclusive healthcare approach, saying, “There are no political boundaries when it comes to healthcare. Many of our patients come from other provinces, such as Lutayan in Sultan Kudarat. Who are we to turn them away?”

The provincial government is also working on implementing electronic medical records for South Cotabateños, an initiative supported by PhilHealth. South Cotabato is among the seven pilot areas for the KonSulta-PCPN program, reinforcing its commitment to modernized healthcare services.

The turnover of the SCPH Extension Building is a major step toward a more efficient and patient-centered healthcare system in South Cotabato, ensuring that every resident has access to free and quality medical care.