SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – Residents of the Ilocos Region can expect improved access to medical services with the recent turnover of four “Bagong Pilipinas” mobile clinics by the Department of Health (DOH) to the provincial governments of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, and La Union.
The ceremony, held on July 10, 2024, at the Clark Freeport Zone, was led by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
These state-of-the-art mobile clinics are more than just transportation.
Each is outfitted with advanced equipment for on-site medical procedures, including X-rays, ultrasounds, blood screenings, and more.
This includes an ultrasound examination light, reagent refrigerator, binocular microscope and stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, clinical centrifuge, hematocrit centrifuge, hematology analyzer, handheld electrolyte analyzer, and even a telemedicine set.
“These mobile clinics will bridge the gap in healthcare access, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas,” said Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco, DOH Region 1 Director.
“Residents will no longer have to travel long distances for essential medical services, which can often be unavailable at their local Rural Health Units (RHUs).”
She stated, “Health services will be faster and easier, and residents will have better access to health services, considering that not all RHUs have the needed diagnostic procedures.”
“Mas mabilis at mas madali ang pagbibigay ng health consultations sa mga residente dahil ang mga serbisyong kanilang kailangan ay dadalhin na mismo sa kanilang mga lugar upang sila ay mapagsilbihan,” she added.
(Giving health consultations to residents is faster and easier because the services they need will be brought directly to their areas so that they can be served.)
The mobile clinics will also be deployed during medical missions, disasters, and calamities.
DOH-trained personnel will manage the clinics, while the provincial governments will be responsible for vehicle maintenance.
The “Bagong Pilipinas” mobile clinics are part of the First Lady’s “Lab for All” project, which aims to make basic healthcare services accessible to all Filipinos.
Governors Ramon Guico III of Pangasinan and Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David of La Union received the mobile clinics on behalf of their provinces.
Governor Guico expressed optimism, stating, “This modern facility will allow us to deliver essential medical services to our people more efficiently.”
Governor Ortega-David echoed this sentiment, highlighting the mobile clinic’s potential to improve the overall health of La Union residents.
“With this new mobile clinic, we can reach more communities and provide quality medical care wherever they are in the province,” she said.
The arrival of these mobile clinics signifies a significant step towards a healthier Ilocos Region, where residents have greater access to essential medical services. (PIA Region 1)
