Bethel Baptist
Hospital
Philippines, Asia
Origin Story & Hospital Summary:
Bethel Baptist Hospital (BBH) was established in the late 1940s by two nurses from the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE), Rhoda Little and Jeanne Waggoner. Initially a small medical clinic, it expanded significantly with the arrival of Dr. Lincoln Nelson, a Naval Physician, and his wife, a registered nurse, in 1949. By 1953, the clinic had evolved into a hospital, offering a range of medical services to the local population in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. In 1973, it was formally registered as Bethel Baptist Hospital, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission.BBH is a 75-bed private, non-profit mission hospital affiliated with the Association of Fundamental Baptist Churches in the Philippines (AFBCP). It provides comprehensive healthcare services, including primary care, surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, and emergency care. The hospital aims to offer holistic care by integrating physical healing with spiritual support, emphasizing the Christian ethos of compassion and service.
Technology & Capacity:
BBH is equipped with an intensive care unit, a digital radiography room, an operating room, a nursery, and a laboratory. The hospital also features advanced facilities such as a tertiary level laboratory and modern diagnostic equipment. In recent years, BBH has upgraded its infrastructure, including the addition of the Nelson Wing, which honors the founding medical missionary and increases the hospital’s capacity and capabilities.
Church and Governance:
Bethel Baptist Hospital operates under the governance of the Association of Fundamental Baptist Churches in the Philippines (AFBCP) and ABWE. The hospital maintains a strong Christian ethos, integrating medical care with spiritual ministry. It collaborates closely with Bethel Baptist Church and other local churches to provide medical and spiritual support to the community.
Training Opportunities:
BBH offers training programs for medical and nursing students, residents, and other healthcare professionals. The hospital provides hands-on clinical experience in various departments, including outpatient clinics, inpatient wards, and specialized care units. Training is supervised by experienced physicians and nurses, ensuring a comprehensive learning environment.
Medical and Support Staff Needs:
General Practitioners
Surgeons
Pediatricians
Obstetricians/Gynecologists
Nurses
Language:
English is widely spoken among the medical staff, and services are available in Filipino (Tagalog) and local dialects. Translation assistance is provided for patients who speak other languages.
Housing & Food:
Visiting healthcare professionals and volunteers are provided with accommodations within the hospital premises or nearby guesthouses. Meals are available at the hospital cafeteria, and visitors can also prepare their own food if preferred. Local markets and grocery stores offer a variety of food options.
Travel:
Visitors can fly into Laguindingan Airport, located near Cagayan de Oro, and then travel to Malaybalay by road, which takes approximately two hours. The hospital assists with travel logistics and transportation arrangements from the airport to the hospital.
Time Difference:
The Philippines operates on Philippine Standard Time (PST), which is UTC+8.
People and Local Religion:
The population served by BBH is predominantly Christian, with Roman Catholicism and various Protestant denominations being the most common. The hospital serves a diverse community, including indigenous people and low-income families.
Climate:
Malaybalay experiences a tropical climate with relatively cool temperatures due to its elevation. The rainy season lasts from June to November, and the dry season from December to May. The weather is generally mild, making it conducive for year-round healthcare delivery.
Unique Challenges:
Common health issues treated at BBH include respiratory infections, gastrointestinal diseases, malnutrition, and maternal and child health problems. The hospital faces challenges related to limited resources and infrastructure but continues to strive for excellence in patient care through innovation and community support.
Evangelism Opportunities:
BBH integrates spiritual care into its medical services, offering opportunities for staff and volunteers to share their faith and provide spiritual support to patients and their families. The hospital’s mission emphasizes holistic care, addressing the physical, social, and spiritual needs of individuals.
For further details, visit the Bethel Baptist Hospital website.