Palawan Baptist
Hospital
Philippines, Asia
Origin Story & Hospital Summary:
Palawan Baptist Hospital (PBH) was founded by missionaries from the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE) in 1977, initially starting as a health clinic. By 1979, it was registered as a hospital, serving the spiritual and physical needs of the local population in Roxas and surrounding municipalities on Palawan Island. The hospital was established with the vision of providing compassionate healthcare rooted in Christian values.PBH is a 12-bed facility offering a range of medical services, including laboratory, X-ray, and ECG services for both outpatient and inpatient care. The hospital is committed to improving its services and facilities, striving to become financially stable to better serve its predominantly low-income population. PBH handles various medical conditions and provides essential healthcare services to the local community, focusing on both preventive and curative care.
Technology & Capacity:
Palawan Baptist Hospital is equipped with basic medical facilities and is working towards upgrading its equipment and infrastructure. Recent upgrades include a new infant warmer and Bili-light for neonatal care. The hospital plans to build a new hospital structure to replace the original 1979 building, which has been deemed a fire hazard, and acquire an ambulance for patient transport to higher-level facilities.
Church and Governance:
PBH operates under the governance of ABWE and maintains a strong Christian ethos, integrating spiritual care with medical services. The hospital’s mission is to provide holistic care that meets both the physical and spiritual needs of the community.
Training Opportunities:
PBH offers opportunities for healthcare professionals and volunteers to participate in its mission. Medical professionals can contribute to various clinical services and engage in community health initiatives, providing hands-on care and gaining insights into healthcare delivery in a resource-limited setting.
Medical and Support Staff Needs:
General Practitioners
Surgeons
Pediatricians
Obstetricians/Gynecologists
Nurses
Language:
The primary language spoken at PBH is Filipino (Tagalog), with English also widely used among the staff. Translation services are available for patients who speak local dialects.
Housing & Food:
Visiting healthcare professionals and volunteers are provided with basic accommodation near the hospital. Meals are typically simple and reflect local cuisine, with rice, vegetables, and fish being common staples. Volunteers may need to prepare their own meals and are encouraged to bring any special dietary items they may need.
Travel:
Visitors can fly into Puerto Princesa International Airport, the main gateway to Palawan Island. From there, transportation to Roxas can be arranged. The hospital provides assistance with travel logistics and can help coordinate transportation 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 PBH primarily consists of low-income families from Roxas and neighboring areas. The community is predominantly Christian, with Roman Catholicism being the major religion, followed by various Protestant denominations, including Baptists.
Climate:
Palawan has a tropical climate, characterized by a rainy season from June to November and a dry season from December to May. The weather is generally warm and humid throughout the year.
Unique Challenges:
Common health issues in the area include respiratory infections, gastrointestinal diseases, malnutrition, and maternal and child health problems. The hospital faces challenges related to limited resources and infrastructure, striving to provide quality care despite these constraints.
Evangelism Opportunities:
PBH 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 compassionate care inspired by Christian values, aiming to minister to the whole person.
For further details, visit the Palawan Baptist Hospital Facebook page.