Dedicated to compassionate care, the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center stands as a testament to community and healing. This Manila institution began with charitable donations from Chinese immigrants in 1891. It emerged during the Spanish occupation.
The Chinese General Hospital’s story began humbly. Capitán Carlos Palanca Tan Chueco, along with Engracio Palanca Tan Kang and Mariano Velasco Chua Cheng-co, spearheaded a fundraising effort. Their goal was a free medical clinic. Funds poured in from Chinese stores and fees from new arrivals from China. This clinic soon expanded into the Hospital de Chinos in 1893.
During the American colonization, Capitan Tan Chueco became the first Chinese Acting Consul. The Hospital de Chinos struggled to serve Manila’s growing Chinese population. A new fundraising campaign led to the first Chinese General Hospital in 1917. It had modern facilities.
Dr. José Tee Han-kee, a renowned doctor, became the first medical director in 1921. He consulted for the Philippine Health Service because of his plague expertise. That same year, the Chinese General Hospital School of Nursing opened.
World War II greatly affected the hospital. Directors and high-ranking staff became prisoners of war. Mass evacuation followed. A skeleton staff kept the hospital running. This team included the principal, chief nurse, some nurses, two junior resident physicians, and male helpers. In 1945, over 500 shrapnel and bullet victims filled the hospital. Corridors overflowed with patients.
After the war, Antonio Nubia became director. Manuel Chua-Chiaco Sr. was his assistant. The Chinese community helped rebuild the hospital in 1946. In 1948, the Charity Pavilion was built. It stood across from the main building.
Refurbishments occurred in 1950. The hospital began offering training and teaching programs. Luis Guerrero, Antonio G. Sison, and other prominent doctors served as consultants.
Further improvements continued from the 1950s onward. The Guillermo A. Cu Un-jieng Sr. Chest Pavilion opened in 1953. In 1957, the Cheng Tsai Jun Memorial 100-bed Charity Wards were established. The Chinese General Hospital had another facelift two years later. A larger three-story Emergency Building was built in 1971. The six-story School of Nursing Building finished construction in 1975. In 1983, a six-story annex to the Main Building was added.
Lim Ka-sian became the new director in the 1990s. James G. Dy became president of the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association. Every department expanded. The hospital computerized and updated medical equipment. The Heart Institute was built in 1996. Renowned cardiologist Dy Bun Yok became its director.
Today, James Dy is the director. The Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center has over 600 medical practitioners and 1600 paramedics. It houses 700 hospital beds and 100 charity beds. The hospital continues to upgrade its facilities. It incorporates advanced technology and new services.
The Chinese General Hospital’s mission is clear. It strives to provide holistic, competent, and compassionate healthcare to all. It aims to be a leader in healthcare by 2030. Its values are rooted in compassion, faith, honor, motivation, and competence. This commitment ensures quality service and patient well-being.