LUBAO – The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday launched their Surgical Caravan themed “ToDOH Alaga, May TSekap na, May Operasyon Pa!” at Escolastica Romero District Hospital (ERDH) here. The said caravan is jointly conducted by DOH hospitals in partnership with local government units (LGUs) for identified TSeKaP patients needing elective surgical procedures.
DOH Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial graced the event together with Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, former president and current Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, DOH Assistant Secretary Leonita P. Gorgolon and PhilHealth Region 3 Vice President Walter Bacareza.
Secretary Ubial said that the initiative is an offshoot of the Philippine Health Agenda (PHA) Checkup program particularly aimed at realizing the provision of surgical intervention to those who need them.
“This is in line with PHA guarantee of Service Delivery network where appropriate care is made available and accessible to all Filipinos regardless of capacity to pay,” she said.
She added that this was included among the early commitments of the Duterte administration.
Ubial also disclosed that the DOH regional offices and hospitals, PhilHealth, and provincial and municipal local government units shall collaborate for fund and resource sharing, identification and clearance of beneficiaries, and implementation arrangements for the Surgical Caravan proper.
“All of the expenses are for free, including the outpatient medicines through the aid of PhilHealth and LGUs,” she said.
Governor Pineda expressed gratitude for choosing ERDH as the kick-off venue for the nationwide program. She said the program will greatly minimize the provincial government’s medical services expenses.
There were 468 patients who were given initial check-up and medical test and 90 patients who underwent minor surgery at ERDH during the said launching.
PHILIP OCAMPO
