Iloilo Provincial Administrator Raul Banias said provincial hospitals are lacking doctors, particularly those in the fields of anesthesiology, and obstetrics and gynecology.

He noted there is a budget to hire doctors, but many physicians prefer to set up private practices, which are reportedly more lucrative, rather than working in a public hospital.

Banias added the administration of Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. is currently looking to improve its incentive package in order to attract more doctors to work in provincial facilities./WDJ