Capitol hires 158 nurses, 13 doctors

A total of 158 new nurses and 13 medical doctors are set to serve Cebu's provincial and district hospitals after the Cebu Provincial Government formally welcomed them during an onboarding ceremony at the Capitol Social Hall on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

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The hiring seeks to address critical staffing shortages in Cebu's 16 provincial and district hospitals, where demand for healthcare workers has long outpaced supply.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro urged the new batch of health professionals to serve Cebuanos wholeheartedly, reminding them to always carry out their duties with a smile.

Provincial Health Office (PHO) chief Dr. Jocelyn Arcenal likewise emphasized compassion, telling the recruits to treat every patient with a heart, as many already carry the heavy burden of illness.

"Kung mahimo... naa na silay gibati na sakit unya ato pajung pasakitan, so let's change that and treat our patients with a heart," Arcenal said.

Of the 13 doctors hired, two are internists, one is an anesthesiologist, and nine are general practitioners. Three of them will be assigned to Camotes Island, where the need for medical professionals is particularly urgent.