The three-story Super Community Hospital here is set to open this year as phase two of construction is to begin.

“We’re moving to Phase 2, which includes air-conditioning, ceilings, painting, flooring, and doors. Phase 3 will focus on equipment and other installations,” Governor Ramon Guico III said Wednesday.

The PHP200 million, 55-bed hospital will feature two elevators and significantly expand services beyond the current 15-bed Umingan Community Hospital, which serves nearly 50 patients.

Funding came from Pangasinan’s share of the Tobacco Excise Tax and the provincial budget.

Construction began in June 2024 after a January 2024 groundbreaking.

The hospital is part of the Township Development Project, which includes a transport hub, commercial center, parks, a social hall, and housing.

Guico also aims to establish a Health Care Network to modernize 14 hospitals and improve patient referrals from rural health units to specialty hospitals, reducing overcrowding. (PNA)