Governor Angelina Tan addresses Quezon’s OB-GYN shortage amid mounting patient demand at QMC

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Quezon Governor Angelina Tan calls for support from private OB-GYN doctors as public hospitals grapple with heavy pat...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Quezon Governor Angelina Tan calls for support from private OB-GYN doctors as public hospitals grapple with heavy patient loads and limited specialists. (Quezon PIO)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan addressed long queues and limited obstetric and gynecological services at the Quezon Provincial Health Network–Quezon Medical Center (QPHN-QMC). Where a severe and ongoing shortage of OB-GYN doctors continues to strain public healthcare services across the province.

The situation comes as public hospitals handle a growing number of patients seeking maternal and reproductive health care despite limited specialist availability. Indigent patients, who rely on government hospitals, account for much of the rising demand for OB-GYN services.



“Sa ngayon po, patuloy ang ating pagsisikap na mabigyan ng higit na atensyon ang mga nagpapagamot sa OB-GYNE. Humahanap at kumakausap na po tayo ng mga private doctor na makatutulong upang madagdagan ang mga magsusuri sa mga pasyente.”

Tan said many patients and their families feel frustrated by long waiting times and believe the government is not acting fast enough. She stressed the need to explain clearly what actions officials are taking and why public hospitals face limits.

“Akala nila wala nang ginagawa at akala nila deadma tayo na pumipila sila, pero patuloy po tayong naghahanap ng paraan at estratehiya. Hindi ko po dinededma o isinasawalang bahala ang nararanasan ng mga Quezonian sa QMC,” she added.

The shortage of OB-GYN specialists remains the main problem at QMC, as no doctors have applied for available government hospital positions. This problem extends beyond Quezon, with many OB-GYN doctors choosing private practice over public service.

Tan said she reached out to private OB-GYN doctors in the province to ask for help, especially for poor women whose only option for care is QMC. She explained that emergency cases remain difficult to handle because private doctors often attend to their own patients first.

“Nakikiusap po ako sa mga private na OB-GYN kung paano nila kami matutulungan, kahit paminsan-minsan lang, dahil maraming mahihirap na kababaihan ang umaasa sa QMC. Mahirap po talaga ang mga emergency dahil may sarili rin silang private practice na kailangan unahin. Pero patuloy po tayong nakikiusap at naghahanap ng paraan para may matakbuhan ang ating mga pasyente.”

Tan said the provincial government directs more than half of its annual budget to health services but still falls short because of the number of patients. Demand for care continues to exceed available resources.

To address the problem over time, current efforts focus on strengthening rural health units and encouraging doctors from Quezon to return and serve in their home towns, especially in remote areas. Better access to basic health services outside urban centers aims to reduce congestion at major hospitals like QMC.

Despite these challenges, Governor Tan said recent talks with private doctors produced positive responses, with some expected to help ease the burden at QMC’s outpatient department. These initial commitments will provide interim relief for patients while the province works toward permanent staffing solutions, Tan assured.