Manila: The Northern Samar Provincial Hospital (NSPH) has appealed for public understanding and cooperation as it continues to face a surge in patient admissions and is now operating at more than double its authorized capacity.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Joseph Estanislao, NSPH chief, stated in an advisory that the hospital is currently serving about 360 admitted patients. This number exceeds both its authorized 150-bed capacity and its actual 200-bed operating capacity. Most of these cases are in the medicine and pediatric wards, occupying all available spaces within the facility.

Estanislao assured the public that the situation is temporary and emphasized that the hospital is “exhausting all means possible to extend healthcare services to the public.” He appealed for cooperation and patience, stressing that the hospital’s priority is to ensure efficient care for those needing immediate and higher-level medical attention.

To manage the situation and ensure that critical and emergency cases receive appropriate attention, NSPH has requested partner hospitals and the public to prioritize referrals for patients requiring specialized or higher levels of care. Estanislao also urged municipal health centers and district hospitals to stabilize patients before transferring them to NSPH.

As part of its contingency measures, NSPH is considering the transfer of less serious cases to nearby hospitals, including the level one Allen District Hospital and the infirmary-level Catubig District Hospital. This strategy aims to make room for patients with severe conditions, such as stroke and pneumonia.

Northern Samar has eight district hospitals strategically located across the province-in the island towns of Capul, San Antonio, Biri, and San Vicente, as well as in Gamay, Catubig, Laoang, and Allen. Additionally, all 24 towns have functional municipal health centers capable of handling basic health emergencies and outpatient care.