Hospital Real

Ugsang, Angel Nikka B.

The Philippines' first hospital was a military hospital built in 1565 on the southern island
of Cebu. It was constructed of bamboo and nipa and was under the patronage of the crown,
hence the name "Hospital Real." It was relocated to Manila when the seat of government was
relocated there, as Manila was established as their capital. It was established to meet the needs of
Spanish army and navy casualties from military campaigns as well as those who died from
tropical diseases. The hospital, however, refused to serve Spanish and Mestiza women.

Hospital Real was a royal hospital supported by King Philip II and the Spanish
government, but it struggled with finances, manpower, and supplies. The administration of
Hospital Real was transferred to both the Order of St. Francis and the Confraternity of La
Misericordia in 1597, after King Philip II was convinced that the hospital would be better
managed with clergy at the helm. The hospital continued to operate for centuries until the 1863
earthquake, which destroyed almost all of Manila's stone buildings. Outside the city walls, the
hospital was rebuilt as a one-story structure.

Laboratorio Municipal de Manila

Ugsang, Angel Nikka B.

For medical technology, the Spanish colonization was a period characterized by learning
and development. This is supported by various developments in the medical field that include the
construction of the Laboratorio Municipal de Manila (Municipal Laboratory of Manila), the first
laboratory in the Philippines. The Laboratorio Municipal de Manila was established by law in
1887. Its primary duties included performing biochemical analyses for the sake of public health
and examining specimens for clinical and medico-legal cases. However, this laboratory was
rarely used in the study of outbreaks.

Another interesting fact regarding this laboratory is that it once employed the famous
General Antonio Luna. He was a Philippine hero known for his contributions in the Philippine-
American War, his bravery, unusual fighting tactics, and strict discipline. In 1894, he worked for
the Laboratorio Municipal de Manila as a chemical expert and pioneered water testing, forensics,
and environmental studies.

Later, in the American Regime, this institution became the Bureau of Science and
engaged in the pathological studies of infectious diseases.