MANILA — Four major government specialty hospitals were allocated an additional P1 billion each in the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), bringing their total budgets to significantly higher levels to improve services, upgrade facilities, and expand patient care capacity.
The hospitals that received the P1-billion boost are:
- Philippine Heart Center (PHC)
- Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP)
- National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI)
- Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC)
Budget Breakdown & Impact
| Hospital | Original Allocation (2026) | Additional P1B | Total Budget (2026) | Key Intended Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philippine Heart Center | ~P2.8B | +P1B | ~P3.8B | Cardiac services expansion, equipment upgrade |
| Lung Center of the Philippines | ~P2.5B | +P1B | ~P3.5B | Respiratory care, TB program enhancement |
| National Kidney & Transplant | ~P2.6B | +P1B | ~P3.6B | Dialysis, transplant services, infrastructure |
| Philippine Children’s Medical Center | ~P2.7B | +P1B | ~P3.7B | Pediatric care, cancer treatment, NICU upgrade |
These increases were retained in the final GAA despite partial vetoes on other items (e.g., unprogrammed appropriations). The additional funds are intended for:
- Capital outlay (new equipment, facility upgrades)
- Maintenance & operating expenses (medicines, supplies)
- Personnel services (hiring more specialists, nurses)
Health advocates welcomed the move, noting that these specialty centers serve as national referral hospitals and handle complex cases from across the country. However, some critics pointed out that the increases came at the expense of other health programs that were reduced or vetoed.
The Department of Health (DOH) is expected to release detailed allocation plans and procurement timelines in the coming weeks.
This allocation reflects the administration’s continued priority on strengthening tertiary and specialty healthcare amid rising demand for specialized treatment.
Here are visuals related to the four hospitals — their facilities, services, and the impact of increased funding.
A much-needed boost for life-saving care across the Philippines!