DOH chief cites strides in accessible health care 

The Department of Health (DOH) has reported to President Marcos what it described as “significant strides” in ensuring more accessible and adaptable health-care services for all Filipinos as the government takes action toward the full implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act of 2019.In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office quoted DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, saying that in the first 100 days since his appointment on June 6 this year, he focused on ensuring that health-care services are accessible to all Filipinos, regardless of their socioeconomic status.“Every Filipino should benefit from UHC,” the secretary said.

The DOH chief said the agency has employed the principle of “No One Gets Left Behind” aligned with an 8-point action agenda, which encompasses safe and quality service delivery, preparedness against pandemics and crises, as well as ensuring the welfare and rights of health-care workers—key aspects that underscore the much-needed transformation in the country’s health sector. More Malasakit Centers

For 2023, the DOH said it sustained a one-stop shop program that provides government health services for indigent patients by putting up more Malasakit Centers across the country. As of September, there are already 159 Malasakit Centers, with the latest inaugurated at the Bislig District Hospital in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. INQ