A new era of medical access in the Philippines

The arrival of the CT scan at Leyte Provincial Hospital in the country’s Eastern Visayas region, was more than just a delivery – it marked a turning point for thousands of patients who once had to endure long and costly journeys for critical diagnostics. For Christian Joseph, the hospital’s CT-Scan Radiologic Technologist, the impact was immediate.

"The CT scan started to function in January 2024, and since then, we have been an average of five to ten patients daily," he said.

"Previously, patients had to be referred to other hospitals, which took additional time and incurred extra costs. Now, diagnoses are faster, treatment plans are more efficient and patient outcomes have significantly improved," he added.

This transformation is part of the Health System Enhancement to Address and Limit COVID-19 (HEAL) Project, a collaborative effort between UNOPS, the Department of Health and the Asian Development Bank. The project, which has delivered over $45 million worth of medical supplies, laboratory equipment and patient transfer vehicles is redefining healthcare across the Philippines.

“As we advance our support for vital health initiatives, it's evident that our efforts go beyond addressing a pandemic. They are about building a healthier, more resilient future for the people of the Philippines.” - Sanjay Mathur - UNOPS Regional Director for Asia-Pacific

For hospitals like Biliran Provincial Hospital, which serves the entire province’s population of 178,000, the provision of a CT scan was life-changing.

"Before we had the CT scan, patients had to travel two to three hours to Tacloban or Ormoc for this service," said Dr. Joyce Pia Caneja, Chief of Hospital.

"For cerebrovascular cases, such delays could mean the difference between life and death. Having this equipment in our facility has made diagnosis and treatment faster, ensuring that critical care is available when it’s needed most," she said.

Beyond improving emergency response, the project has also strengthened the long-term sustainability of healthcare facilities. In the Governor Benjamin T. Romualdez General Hospital and Schistosomiasis Center, where the burden of neurological disorders and trauma cases is high, the CT scan has minimized the need for patient transfers.

"Previously, we had to refer patients to hospitals hours away. Now, with our own CT scan, we can diagnose conditions like stroke and cerebral schistosomiasis onsite, saving valuable time," said Dr. Lory L. Ruetas, Chief of Medical Professional Staff.

Despite these successes, challenges remain. Many hospitals still face shortages in trained radiologists, requiring partnerships with external specialists for image readings. However, solutions are emerging. In Biliran, a digital imaging system now allows radiologists from Tacloban to provide remote readings, significantly reducing turnaround times.

Alongside our partners, UNOPS continued support for these healthcare advancements is helping to create a more resilient and accessible system.

With over 45 CT scan machines installed, 15 waste treatment facilities delivered and installed, and more than 800 healthcare workers trained, the ADB-HEAL project is making tangible strides toward a sustainable healthcare infrastructure.

Additionally, the project has facilitated the delivery of more than 5,000 units of laboratory and isolation facility equipment, benefiting over 100 public health facilities across the Philippines with CT, waste treatment, and laboratory equipment.

As hospitals expand and evolve, the legacy of this initiative will be measured in lives saved and expanded access for communities to quality healthcare services.

About the project

With over $59 million in funding from the Asian Development Bank, the HEAL project aims to strengthen over 160 public health facilities and laboratories across the Philippines. This four-year project, completed in February 2025, is a key step toward building a more resilient healthcare system, in close collaboration with the Philippine’s Department of Health