Free Medical Services Reach Rural Communities
A year after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pledged to bring healthcare closer to the people, the Department of Health (DOH) under his administration has successfully established accessible hospitals and health centers in rural areas, ensuring the provision of vital medical services for all citizens.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos Leads “LAB for ALL” Caravan Launch
Initiative Aims to Provide Free Medical Services to Filipinos
On May 16, a momentous event took place at the Dreamzone Capitol in Batangas as First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos launched the “Libreng Laboratoryo, Konsulta, at Gamot Para sa Lahat” or LAB for ALL caravan.
This groundbreaking initiative seeks to provide essential medical services free of charge, including laboratory tests, x-rays, specialist consultations, and medicines, to communities all over the Philippines.
DOH Joins Forces with Multiple Government Agencies
Following its successful launch, the LAB for ALL caravans has been held every Tuesday in various locations across the country, not just in Batangas, but also in Baguio City, Bulacan, Tarlac, Laguna, Pampanga, and Zambales.
These caravans have become possible through a strong partnership between the DOH and several government agencies, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Food and Drug Administration, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc., and Sagip Party-list, among others.
The PCSO, for instance, donated two ambulances to support the LAB for ALL initiative.
Introducing CathLab: A Medical Milestone in Central Luzon
State-of-the-Art Medical Services Now Closer to Home
Residents of Central Luzon no longer need to travel to Manila for interventional cardiac and non-cardiac procedures. On March 24, the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga, proudly inaugurated its new Catheterization Laboratory (CathLab).
This impressive accomplishment resulted from the collaborative efforts of the Health Facilities Enhancement Program, along with the support of provincial and local government units.
The hospital’s allocation of the PHP1 billion budget in 2013 ensured the timely completion of the facility’s equipment and buildings within a span of 120 days. With the CathLab now operational, patients in the region can receive prompt and effective medical care for various diseases.
Advancing Specialized Medical Care
CMSMC: Cutting-Edge Medical Center Underway in Clark
The Department of Health (DOH) recently initiated the construction of the Clark Multi Specialty Medical Center (CMSMC) on July 17. Designed with state-of-the-art facilities, the CMSMC aims to provide exemplary medical services through a wide range of specialized departments, including heart, kidney, cancer, and pediatric centers.
The center is the result of a collaborative effort between the DOH, the Philippine Amusement, and Gaming Corporation, the Clark Development Corporation, Pampanga local government units, and private sector partners like the Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc.
With the CMSMC on the horizon, the DOH envisions a transformative change in the accessibility of advanced medical services across the nation.
Expanding Specialized Healthcare Nationwide
Executive Order and Oxygen-Generating Plant Inauguration
President Marcos Jr.’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility extends beyond Luzon. Last March 10, he signed Executive Order No. 19, series of 2023, directing the establishment of the Philippine Heart Center Annex in the Clark Freeport Zone.
Furthermore, on June 22 of the same year, the Cancer Institute and Oxygen Generating Plant of Cotabato Regional and Medical Center were inaugurated.
The oxygen-generating plant’s aim is to provide local hospitals with an adequate supply of medical oxygen, especially considering the increased demand during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In conclusion
President Marcos Jr.’s administration continues to make significant strides in bringing quality healthcare services closer to the Filipino people.
With the launch of the LAB for ALL caravan, the establishment of advanced medical facilities like CathLab and CMSMC, and the expansion of specialized healthcare nationwide, the government is setting a strong foundation for a healthier and more productive community.
Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency.
