LUNA, Apayao – Another breakthrough development for rural health services in the province was ushered in after Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire led the launching of the Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) Centers in Daga, Conner, and Mataguisi, Pudtol on September 10.
These BUCAS centers are the answer to the long-standing gaps in healthcare accessibility in the province as Usec. Vergeire believes that the BUCAS centers will bring specialized healthcare closer to the people.
During the launch, Vergeire underscored the pressing need for enhanced healthcare services in distant areas and stated the common challenges faced by the locals in accessing timely medication.
“Kapag Biyernes ng gabi, Sabado, o Linggo, walang ibang mapuntahan kasi sarado ang health center. Kulang din tayo sa espesyalista,” she stated, stressing the limitations of current facilities and the long travel times required for specialized care.
The Calaoan BUCAS Center in Daga, Conner is second of its kind in the Cordillera Administrative Region and the 32nd nationwide. These new BUCAS centers are set to offer extended healthcare services including specialist consultations, X-ray facilities, laboratory tests, and free medications.
“Ito pong BUCAS Center ay bukas mula Lunes hanggang Linggo, mula alas sais ng umaga hanggang alas diyes ng gabi,” Vergeire announced. The centers’ extended operating hours will bridge the gaps left by health centers that often close on weekends or during off-hours.
Aside from reducing the financial and logistical strain on patients who would otherwise have to travel long distances, the BUCAS Center likewise aims to alleviate the burden on larger hospitals by providing necessary services locally. “Napakalaki po ng ginagastos natin sa pagpunta pa lang sa mga mas malalaking hospital,” Vergeire said, referring to the often prohibitive costs of transportation and medical care in more remote areas.
One of the best features of the BUCAS Center is its scheduled specialist services. For Calaoan, every Thursday, from 8:00AM to 5:00PM, specialists will be available to address various medical issues so that the residents will have regular access to expert care without the need to travel far.
“Isa sa pinakaimportante na maibibigay sa atin ng BUCAS Center, ang mga espesyalista natin mamamalagi dito at mabibigyan kayo ng regular na schedule,” Vergeire said.
With proper support from the provincial government, the local government units, the DOH, and the communities, these BUCAS Centers are a huge step forward towards improving healthcare equity. The center is also designed to operate as a one-stop-shop where patients can receive several medical services under one roof at no cost.
Vergeire then urged the community to make the most of the new facility. “Sana po pagyamanin nating lahat ang mga benepisyong binibigay para malapit ang serbisyong pangkalusugan sa ating mga komunidad,” she said. She likewise emphasized that the focus is on proactive healthcare delivery. “Kailangan tayo [healthcare providers] na mismo ang lalapit sa kanila at tayo na mismo ang magbibigay ng serbisyong nararapat at kinakailangan.”
Two more extension clinics that were converted to BUCAS Centers will open on September 11, one in Marag, Luna, and the other in Tanglagan, Calanasan. By Jess Christley Marquez
