Catarman Doctors Hospital Strengthens Healthcare Services in Northern Samar, Expands Commitment to Quality Patient Care

Catarman Doctors Hospital, Inc. (CDHI) continues to strengthen its role as a trusted private healthcare provider in Northern Samar, delivering accessible medical services while investing in technology, facilities, and professional healthcare personnel to better serve patients and families in Catarman and nearby communities.

Located along Diversion Road 2 in Barangay Bangkerohan, Catarman, CDHI is a 41-bed, PhilHealth-accredited Level 1 General Hospital offering a broad range of medical, diagnostic, and emergency services.

The hospital provides services in Internal Medicine, General Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Surgery, and Pulmonology, along with laboratory testing, clinical chemistry, hematology, clinical microscopy, X-ray, and ECG services.

“We have a hospital-based Renal Dialysis Unit headed by nephrologist Dr. Ma. Theresa De Asis. We are now performing laparoscopic surgeries with Dr. Vincent Paul Estudillo, urologic surgeries with Dr. Wilfredo ‘Bong’ Tagle, and orthopedic surgeries with Dr. Alvin Leal. We will also open the first rehabilitation center on the island of Samar with Dr. Jhun Unay. We also have a 24-hour CT Scan Center. Our hospital expansion project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026,” according to Dr. Tom De Asis.

Its Emergency Room and Critical Care Unit provide around-the-clock access to medical attention, while other clinical areas include an operating room, delivery and newborn services, and renal dialysis facilities.

Hospital Director Dr. Thomas P. De Asis has been identified in public records as part of the leadership behind the hospital, which has continued to develop its healthcare capabilities as the medical needs of communities in Northern Samar evolve.

“We have added new technology and continue to improve our services for our patients,” reflecting the hospital’s continuing focus on modernization and improved clinical care.

Recent public information about CDHI highlights the introduction and use of technologies including electronic hospital records, videolaryngoscopy, and vein-finder technology. These developments are part of the hospital’s continuing efforts to support doctors and nurses with modern tools while improving the patient experience.

The hospital’s commitment also extends to patients who may face financial difficulties. A 2026 report noted that CDHI accepts promissory notes in appropriate circumstances and participates in government assistance initiatives designed to help indigent and financially incapacitated patients obtain medical care.

The principle that “healthcare should remain accessible to the people who need it most” is consistent with the hospital’s participation in assistance initiatives and its efforts to work with patients facing financial challenges.

As a PhilHealth-accredited hospital through December 31, 2028, CDHI also helps eligible patients access applicable PhilHealth benefits. Coverage varies depending on the diagnosis, procedure, and applicable case rate, with patients potentially responsible for professional fees, medicines, supplies, and other charges not covered by PhilHealth.

Beyond its medical services, CDHI has become an important part of Catarman’s healthcare landscape by providing local residents with an option for hospital care without having to travel outside Northern Samar for many routine and specialized services.

With continued investments in medical technology, diagnostic capabilities, emergency services, and healthcare professionals, Catarman Doctors Hospital is positioning itself to play an even stronger role in meeting the healthcare needs of Northern Samar.

Among the physicians publicly associated with CDHI are Dr. Elizabeth P. Novilla-Nochete, FPOGS, an obstetrician-gynecologist, and Dr. Diego Estigoy, a pulmonologist. Hospital Administrator Dr. Ronald Ejercito has also been identified in recent reports involving the institution.