The J.R. Borja General Hospital (JRBGH) started out as the J.R. Borja General Memorial City Hospital (JRBMCH). It was established on August 25, 1963 as a primary hospital to serve the health care needs of the populace of Cagayan de Oro City, particularly the poor and the indigent, who could not afford the then rising hospital costs. The hospital was envisioned by the late Mayor Justiniano R. Borja, for whom the hospital was named. In 2006, by virtue of City Ordinance 10209-2006, the J.R. Borja Memorial City Hospital became the J.R. Borja General Hospital of Cagayan de Oro City.

JRBGH is situated on J.V. Serina Street, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, a mere kilometer distance from the seat of government of the City of Cagayan de Oro. It was constructed on a 3-hectare lot donated by the Villarin sisters to the city of government. It has a total hospital floor area of more than 2,000 square meters, enough to accommodate the administration offices, clinics, function rooms and a compliment of 200 plus beds.

The hospital used to operate under the auspices and mandates of the city government of Cagayan de Oro with all its operational, maintenance and capital expenditures funded solely and exclusively by the city government. However, after Mayor Oscar Moreno assumed office financing was sourced also from PhilHealth, the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) from the DOH, Malasakit Program and external medical assistance programs such as from PCSO. On some occasion, it also receives grants from congressional/ senate funds and cause-oriented groups.

The hospital is manned by fully trained and competent medical staff, complemented by a pool of hardworking administrative and ancillary staff, which are selected and appointed competitively under the Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

Since its existence, JRBGH was able to diligently pursue its role in improving primary, secondary, preventive and curative health services to the populace of Cagayan de Oro City, implemented in coordination with the city and national government and various cause-oriented groups.