Bangsamoro Health Minister Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr. led the opening of the Bangsamoro Regional Hospital and Medical Center (BRHMC) on Tuesday, converting the former Maguindanao Provincial Hospital (MPH) after 52 years of service.

Sinolinding, a physician, ophthalmologist, and Member of Parliament, praised the hospital staff, stating: “This is a testament of your dedication and commitment to serve. The concerted efforts of everybody’s contribution. Without your contribution, we cannot attain this far.”

He recalled first serving as a health frontliner at the facility in 1991.

The opening included the launch of several new hospital facilities: the Eye Center and ENT Clinic, the Women and Children’s Protection Unit, and the Department of Radiology and Imaging Science Complex. The hospital is currently hosting a “Gamutang Pangkalahatan” (General Healing) program until Oct. 10, offering free medical and surgical services to indigent constituents.

Member of Parliament Dr. Hashemi Dilangalen said the BRHMC will serve as the primary referral facility in the province, alleviating the burden on patients who currently travel long distances for specialized care.

“This hospital will not only be the first tertiary hospital in Maguindanao del Sur; it will also be the first fully funded and managed by the Bangsamoro government,” Dilangalen said. “It shows our serious commitment to building strong public health systems within BARMM.”

Deputy Speaker Baintan Adil-Ampatuan, one of the bill’s main authors, emphasized that the upgrade is a “major victory for public health in our province,” aimed at enhancing healthcare services for the over 700,000 residents of Maguindanao del Sur and surrounding areas.

BRHMC Chief of Hospital Dr. Mohammad Ariff Baguindali called the opening a “dream come true and a legacy that will live on for the Bangsamoro,” noting it is “one of the biggest milestones of Healthcare in the BARMM.” (PNA)