CAGAYAN DE ORO — Concerns are mounting over the condition of the eight Misamis Oriental Provincial Hospitals (MOPH), with residents, patients, and even staff describing services and facilities as “deteriorating.”

Complaints have surfaced on social media, pointing to rundown infrastructure and slow service delivery across several hospitals in the province.

Jenny Abejo, a resident of Barangay Talusan in Balingasag, said the state of some facilities is alarming.

“Deteriorating… naay mga facility nga guba na. Kung maakiton ka, samot ka magluya sa ilang kahimtang ug serbisyo—hinay kaayo,” she said, adding that even as public hospitals, patients deserve dignity in care.

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A hospital janitor, who requested anonymity, echoed the sentiment, expressing concern for patients in facilities such as Talisayan and Balingasag.

“Looy kaayo ang mga pasyente… usahay baho pa gyud kay bisan sabon kulang,” he said.

A nurse also admitted feeling exhausted due to heavy workloads and delayed salaries.

“Makaluya gyud kay usahay delayed ang sweldo, among loan ga-penalty na,” she shared, though she stressed her commitment to continue serving patients.

Still, not all feedback has been negative.

Christine Datu, 32, of Claveria, said their local hospital continues to provide adequate care.

“Gaatimanon baya mig tarong. Siguro depende gyud na sa nagdumala sa ospital,” she said.

Amid the growing criticism, Provincial Board Member Rommel Maslog clarified that the issue is not a lack of funds but poor management.

Maslog, chair of the Finance Committee, refuted viral claims that the hospitals operate on a minimal P2 million budget. 

He said the eight facilities have a combined budget of over P600 million, with nearly P400 million allocated for personnel.

He pointed instead to operational gaps, including more than 66 unfilled plantilla positions and reported resignations linked to delayed wages.

“This is not a financial problem. Gi-aprubahan man ang ilang budget—it’s a failure of management,” Maslog said.

He also clarified that the P2.7 million figure circulating online refers only to the Provincial Health Office budget—not the eight hospitals.

“Bakak kana nga dako,” he stressed.

Maslog said he and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan are seeking a dialogue with the Provincial Local Finance Committee to clarify the issue. 

As of this writing, the provincial finance office has yet to explain its absence during a recent committee hearing.

The eight provincial hospitals are located in Magsaysay, Gingoog City, Talisayan, Balingasag, Claveria, Alubijid, Initao, and Manticao.