By Steven Scott Somera
Pangasinan, known for its cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, is gearing up to emerge as a premier destination for medical tourism under the leadership of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III. His ambitious plan to establish 20 operational hospitals aims to position the province as a key player in the Philippines’ push to become a global healthcare hotspot.
In his third State of the Province Address on April 5, marking Pangasinan’s 455th Foundation Day, Guico unveiled plans to expand the province’s healthcare infrastructure. “My goal is not to stop at 14 government hospitals,” he declared, adding that with three terms in office, he aims to have at least 20 operational hospitals.
This initiative aims to capitalize on the province’s strategic location and robust tourism infrastructure to attract both domestic and international patients. Aligned with the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) National Tourism Development Plan, the project seeks to position medical tourism as a key driver of Pangasinan’s economic growth.
With the ongoing collaborative efforts, this Region 1 province is quickly emerging as a prime destination for medical tourists, offering world-class healthcare alongside a serene, healing environment. The province’s tranquil surroundings provide a relaxing backdrop for recovery, while its excellent connectivity through major highways and airports makes it easily accessible for both local and international patients.
Guico has announced plans to elevate Pangasinan’s healthcare sector through development of a training hospital, an Apex hospital, and specialized medical facilities.
An Apex hospital, contracted by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., will offer comprehensive services for a wide range of conditions, from surgeries to rehabilitation. These state-of-the-art facilities will feature a variety of services, including surgical and dialysis units, anatomic and clinical laboratories, radiology, and maternity care.
In his speech, he highlighted the province’s unprecedented strides in healthcare, stating, “For the first time, we’ve launched improvements in medical and hospital services on a scale never before seen in Pangasinan, with many projects already completed and others still underway—all in less than three years.
The provincial government has recently completed Phase 1 of a 55-bed super community hospital in Umingan, part of a P200 million project, with full completion expected by the end of the year. The hospital will feature two elevators to assist senior citizens and people with disabilities, alongside a 15-bed capacity to accommodate up to 50 patients.
In another major development, the province, in partnership with the municipality of Alcala, held a groundbreaking ceremony for its 15th government hospital. The four-story facility, with a P250 million budget for Phase 1, will serve both Alcala residents and those from surrounding towns. The town has generously donated a 3,000-sq.m. lot in Brgy. Poblacion for the hospital’s construction.
As part of his legacy project, GUICONSULTA, Guico is also expanding access to healthcare for over one million Pangasinenses. Through the national government’s PhilHealth Konsulta Program, eligible residents can now access free comprehensive outpatient care, medical consultations, health screenings, selected laboratory tests, and medicines.
Medical tourism is rapidly becoming a major growth sector in the Philippines, fueled by competitive healthcare costs, highly skilled professionals, and cutting-edge medical facilities. Valued at $115 billion globally in 2022, the industry is projected to grow at a staggering 32.51 percent annually, says DOT. While the Philippines currently ranks 24th among the world’s top 46 medical tourism destinations, its unique “Filipino brand of care” and expert healthcare services are expected to drive its rise as a leading global hub for medical tourism.