The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the request of the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila – Philippine General Hospital (PGH) to create 1,224 additional positions to augment the existing medical and support staff of the country’s premier government hospital.

In a media release Thursday, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the additional manpower would allow the PGH to “continue to stand as a beacon of medical excellence in the country.”

“Alinsunod po ito sa direktiba ng ating Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na mabigyan natin ng mas mahusay at maasahang serbisyo ang mga kababayan nating nangangailangan (This is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide better and reliable service to all FIlipinos in need),” Pangandaman said.

The UP-PGH is a Level III general hospital with 1,334 bed capacity.

According to the DBM, the creation of additional positions will be pursued in four tranches, starting in the first quarter of 2025, the fourth quarter of 2025, and in 2026 and 2027. (PNA)