CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines — In a significant advancement for healthcare in Eastern Visayas, Samar Provincial Hospital (SPH) has been awarded a three-star Green and Safe Facility rating by the Department of Health (DOH) Regional Office VIII.
The recognition, announced by the Samar Public Information Office on Facebook, was presented on October 24, 2024, at the Hospital Summit held at the Summit Hotel in Tacloban City.
SPH Chief of Hospital Dr. Jonathan Gabriel Paquit and Green Viability Focal Person Albert Arcales accepted the award on behalf of the hospital. Dr. Paquit expressed pride in the accomplishment, crediting the support of Governor Sharee Ann Tan and Samar’s Legislative District Representatives, Congressman Reynolds Michael Tan and Congressman Stephen James Tan.
“Achieving this milestone is no easy feat. We are immensely grateful for the support of our leaders. This success is not just a win for SPH but for all of Samar,” Dr. Paquit said.
The Green and Safe Facility Award is part of the DOH’s initiative to encourage hospitals to adopt sustainable practices that reduce their carbon footprints. The three-star rating under the Green Viability Assessment System signifies that SPH has surpassed environmental standards, marking its commitment to responsible and sustainable healthcare.
Launched in 2021, the DOH’s Green and Safe Health Facilities Manual is a pioneering effort aimed at reducing the health sector’s impact on climate change while ensuring safe, quality care for communities.
Samar Provincial Hospital is among only seven hospitals in the region to earn this distinction, demonstrating compliance with stringent standards in several key areas: Performance Governance, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Sanitation and Hygiene, Health Care Waste Management, Environmental Resilience, Material and Site Sustainability, and Indoor Environmental Quality.
The recognition marks a significant turnaround for SPH, which, in previous years, faced criticism over alleged shortcomings in patient care, quality of service, and availability of medicines and equipment. Recent years have seen marked improvements, culminating in the hospital’s prestigious three-star rating.
The award showcases SPH’s leadership in integrating environmental responsibility with healthcare excellence, setting a model for other institutions in the region and the nation.
By Ricky Bautista, with additional reporting from SPIO
