Department of Helath (DOH)- Ilocos Region Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco together with Pangasinan Governor Amado I. Espino III and Philhealth Regional Vice President Dennis B. Andre on April 1, 2022 signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) program in the province.
Governor Espino expressed his full support to the implementation of the UHC in his province because it will be of great help to his constituents especially to patients needing medical care and treatment in Pangasinan.
DOH will be providing technical and financial support to the province once the UIS program is carried out.
The provisions of the UHC act states that there will be a six-year transition period for the integration of local provider networks into provincial and city health systems.
The UHC law seeks to improve local health systems to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of population-based and individual-based health services.
Under the UHC, all Filipinos shall be automatically included in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP); guarantees immediate eligibility to program benefits; and for PhilHealth to come up with a comprehensive outpatient package which include outpatient drugs. Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco assured that the regional office will endeavor to engage all provinces in the region to commit to the UHC program this year.
“Pag sinabi na UHC, it means na lahat ng tao, mahirap o mayaman ay makakatanggap ng serbisyong pangkalusugan na walang iniisip na babayarin.
Kasama dito ang full spectrum of essential, quality health services, mula health promotion hanggang sa prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care,” she explained.
“UHC reduces the chance of patients paying for their health services out of their own pockets. Ang unexpected illness ay kadalasang sanhi ng malaking gastos dahil sa hospital bill at mga gamot at dito naapektuhan ang pinansiyal na kakayahan ng isang pamilya.”
“Kailangan ng pagtutulungan ng ating mga provincial at local na pamahalaan upang ang UHC program ay maitaguyod ng maayos para sa lahat ng ating kababayan,” Sydiongco emphasized.
Pangasinan is the second province to enter into MOU with DOH for the implementation of UHC programs in the region.
The province of La Union also entered into a MOU last March 1, 2022.
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