Albay: The provincial government of Albay is preparing to launch a new health facility in March aimed at enhancing access to healthcare services for residents in coastal barangays. Governor Noel Rosal announced plans for the 50-bed Pio Duran Memorial District Hospital (PDMDH) located in Barangay Caratagan, Pio Duran, which is expected to alleviate healthcare access issues for residents who currently need to travel to Ligao and Legazpi for medical services.

According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Rosal emphasized that the hospital is nearing completion, with pending tasks including discussions with the Albay Electric Cooperative (Aleco) regarding power, addressing water supply needs, and installing cabinets. The hospital aims to serve not only the people of Pio Duran but also those from Oas and Ligao City once operational in March.

The PDMDH will feature comprehensive facilities, including an emergency room, delivery room, operating room, laboratory, and dietary section. Governor Rosal confirmed that the hospital will adopt the government's zero-balance billing policy, ensuring that most cases will be covered under the PhilHealth case rate and that the hospital will be PhilHealth-accredited.

Additionally, Governor Rosal mentioned the recruitment of more medical practitioners to manage the hospital effectively, as part of the provincial government's priority health program. A budget of PHP150 million has been allocated for medicines across the province's hospitals. Plans are also underway to establish a dialysis center with a 10-chair capacity, further expanding healthcare services in the region.