The Seamen’s Hospital evolved from a small out-patient clinic to serve pre and post-employment needs of union members. In 1978, it was expanded into a bigger facility, known as the Roberto S. Oca Workers’ Clinic, with an authorized 100-bed capacity. Soon after, it earned the status of a Tertiary Hospital. Its examining physicians are authorized by the Department of Transport of England, the Norwegian Maritime Directorate and other foreign maritime authorities.

From then until now, it is the only union-owned hospital in the Philippines that provides free medical services to its members and their dependents. It also operates a Maritime Health Research Unit. In 1987, it became known as the Seamen’s Hospital as it moved to a bigger 4-storey structure, with a 100-bed capacity. It is accredited as a medical teaching and training facility. It has the latest laboratory, testing and diagnostic equipment and highly trained medical staff. Recent additions are the Helical Whole Body Slip-Ring CT Scanner and five (5) Dialysis Machines.

Five (5) main departments handle the weight of patient care. These are the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics and Dental. Over 40 full-time resident physicians are assigned to these departments.

Indispensable and essential ancillary services such as Pharmacy, Stress Test Laboratory, Psychology/Psychometric Section, Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical Records Section, Pulmonary Laboratory, Electrocardiogram and Mammography Testing, Nursing, Dietary and Ambulance Service have all contributed to the recognition of the hospital in the country’s health care delivery system. The hospital will continue on enhancing primary health care at the family level.

Since its inception, the Seamen’s Hospital - Manila was recognized by Philippine government agencies such as the DOLE, POEA and MARINA as a facility that follows acceptable and appropriate medical standards.