Castro backs RMPH medical center conversion

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Capiz Gov. Fredenil “Oto” Castro expressed confidence that the proposed conversion of Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital into the Capiz Medical Center will move forward in the Senate.

Castro said he hopes the Senate will take up the measure when session resumes Monday, following House action on the bill authored by Capiz 2nd District Rep. Jane T. Castro.

He said the proposal would need Senate approval and the signature of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. before it becomes law.

The proposal seeks to upgrade Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital in Barangay Lanot, Roxas City, into a Level III general hospital to be known as the Capiz Medical Center.

A House committee report dated March 11, 2026, recommended the approval of House Bill No. 8474 as a substitute measure for House Bill No. 377, which was introduced by Rep. Jane T. Castro. 

The substitute bill proposes that the Capiz Medical Center be placed under the direct supervision and control of the Department of Health. 

Under the measure, the upgrade is expected to support increased bed capacity, improved diagnostic services, residency training for doctors, and specialized hospital services.

Local officials said the proposed medical center is envisioned to serve as an apex hospital for Capiz, Aklan, Romblon, Masbate, and northern Iloilo, in addition to the Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City.

The bill also provides that any future increase in bed capacity should be consistent with a hospital development plan prepared by the DOH. 

It also states that existing professional health care services, facilities, and workforce levels should be upgraded to match the hospital’s expanded capacity and services. 

A Senate counterpart measure, Senate Bill No. 1833, titled “Capiz Medical Center,” was filed on Feb. 11, 2026. 

Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital’s bed capacity was previously increased from 75 to 150 beds under Republic Act No. 7534, which was approved in 1992. 

Castro earlier announced the proposed conversion of RMPH into a medical center during the visit of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa to Capiz.