Edith Pilay, when Dr. Pilay’s Father-in-law initiated the idea of having a clinic. June 24, 1973 - St. John of the Cross Hospital (formerly known as St. John Hospital) opened to the public as a 6-bed occupancy clinic. It was situated in St. John Street, Manggahan Toril,Davao City. The clinic grew in time and was able to accommodate up to a maximum of 15 patients. September 1973 - A major turning point for the hospital occurred. A mass "Pandesal" poisoning happened in the municipality of Toril. The people affected were brought directly to St. John of the Cross Hospital where their immediate needs were attended by the Medical Director and its hospital associates. From that time on, St. John of the Cross Hospital became known to the locality for its service capability. In 1982 - The hospital suffered great loss as the building turned to ashes due to electrical-related fire. Construction of a new hospital situated in Rasay Street, Toril, Davao City was then started. January of 1983 The new St. John Hospital situated in Rasay Street became operational. It started out as a 15-bed occupancy hospital and eventually developed to accommodate up to a maximum of 75 patients. In 2000, The Hospital met great difficulties and Dr. Romanito Pilay and Mrs. Edith Pilay had to leave for the United States. Dr. Romanito Pilay entrusted the position of Medical Director to Dr. Gina Lopez Alvarez. John of the Cross Hospital decided to downgrade to a 30-bed capacity hospital.
2009 - Dr. Romanito Pilay and Mrs. Edith Pilay returned from the US. Dr. Romanito Pilay started receiving patients from the Outpatient Department.
2010 - A partnership was initiated with PUM Netherlands Senior Experts. It is a non-profit organization that promotes entrepreneurship, self-sufficiency and sustainable development to small and medium-sized enterprises.
2011 - Dr. Romanito Pilay reassumed the position of Medical Director. The partnership with PUM Netherland Senior Experts prompted major advancements. In June, Dr. Jan Poortman, one of the senior experts, visited St. John Hospital for a period of 2 weeks to assess the needs of the Hospital. In the same year, modern hospital equipment and facilities were procured and a new Outpatient Department was constructed. Furthermore, the expansion continued and the Jan Poortman Hall became fully operational by 2013. At this time, Dr. Romanito Pilay is still the sole proprietor of St. John of the Cross Hospital. The Hospital is continuously expanding and acquiring modern hospital equipment while maintaining its firm commitment and role in providing quality and affordable health care services for all.
