NOTE: THIS STORY WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN THE BOHOL CHRONICLE’S SUNDAY PRINT EDITION.
Longtime residents of Tagbilaran sigh in disbelief as hospitals, once pillars of the city, shut down one after the other recently. Amidst this disheartening backdrop, though, shines a steadfast beacon of hope and healing. The Ramiro Community Hospital has continued its mission and unwavering dedication to serving the healthcare needs of the local community for almost half a century now.
In 1954, the hospital’s founder, Dr. Luther Z. Ramiro, arrived in Bohol upon invitation to work as Resident Physician at the Graham Memorial Hospital located along Gallares Street. When the said hospital closed, he joined the Bohol Medical Center in 1959 and later served as its Medical Director from 1970 to 1972. He married a Tagbilaranon, the former Dinah Q. Lumain, who was a public-school teacher at that time.
It didn’t take long for the young doctor, who was among the topnotchers in the medical board exams, to establish himself. His name became well-known; word of mouth being the strongest advertisement for his practice leading to a steady influx of patients seeking his services.
In 1975, the couple opened the Ramiro Clinic and Community Hospital, initially comprising 10 beds. Within two years, it underwent expansion, growing into a 50-bed hospital and adopting the name Ramiro Community Hospital. Mrs. Ramiro had to stop teaching and became the hospital’s first administrator.
As Dr. Ramiro’s reputation for exceptional care spread throughout the province, so did his clientele. Patients from the city and the towns sought out his expertise, drawn not only by his medical proficiency but also by his compassionate approach to healthcare.
Over the years, the Ramiro Community Hospital has expanded, becoming a Level II hospital with a 118-bed capacity and established a reputation as the healthcare provider of choice for many individuals and families. Dr. Luther passed on in 2016, leaving a legacy of service with a profound impact on the health and well-being of the Boholanos.
In March of 2020, the Ramiro Family partnered with the Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings, Inc. (MPHHI), operator of the largest private hospitals and healthcare network in the Philippines, to meet the growing medical needs of the province.
From its humble beginnings as a 10-bed clinic, the Ramiro Community Hospital has stood the test of time, weathering challenges with grace and fortitude. For five decades, it has been the heartbeat of the local community – whether it’s a sudden illness, a medical emergency, or a routine checkup, the hospital is a refuge for those seeking care and comfort in their darkest hours. (By: Sonieta D. Labasan)