“Ang kalusugan po ay kayamanan. Walang silbi ang lahat ng yaman kung hindi maayos ang ating kalusugan. Ngunit para sa mga kapus-palad nating kababayan, higit na mas malaking pagsubok ang pagkakasakit, lalo na ang mga nasa malalayong lugar (Health is wealth. Wealth is useless if we do not have good health. But for our unfortunate countrymen, getting sick is a challenge, especially those in remote areas)”, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.
First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos echoed the President’s sentiment, when she said: “My husband would always say it’s important that we prioritize healthcare. The government must bring healthcare to the people. We need to make it easier for them because a healthy community is a productive community.”
President Marcos Jr.’s vision to improve the lives of Filipinos was the driving force behind this major project of the First Lady.
The program is intended to bring medical services to every Filipino especially for those in underserved communities.
Reaching Out to Every Filipino
The project had its pilot run in Batangas, which began on May 16, 2023.
Within the first month after its roll out, a total of 2,141 beneficiaries in Central Luzon were given free primary healthcare services.
The “LAB for ALL: Laboratoryo, Konsulta, at Gamot Para sa Lahat” continues to roll out and was officially launched on July 18, 2023, in Zambales.
The caravan continues to travel to various places, including Baguio, Tarlac, Pampanga, Laguna, Bataan, and La Union. The project has reached 35 areas nationwide since and has given medical help to thousands of individuals. That includes the Batangas with almost 1,000 residents served, Baguio with 1,120 residents, Tarlac with 1,000 residents, Pampanga with 1,200 residents, Laguna with more than 1,000 residents, Bulacan with 3,000 residents, and La Union with 1,312 residents.
The project targeted 7,063 geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) in the country.
A Collaborative Effort
The caravan has become a collaborative effort of various government agencies, including the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Working as one, the different agencies offer a wide range of services, including:
- Medical Consultations: Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Gynecology
- Diagnostic Services: Eye and Dental Check-ups, Electrocardiogram (ECGs), Hematology Analyzer for Complete Blood Count (CBC), X-rays, Pap Smears, Ultrasound and other Laboratory Tests
- Surgical Procedures: Minor Surgeries
- Medication Distribution: Free Medicines
- Assistive Device Distribution: Wheelchairs, Crutches, and Other Devices
The partnership of these agencies works to achieve the goal of a healthier and more prosperous Philippines.
Beyond Healthcare: Empowering Communities
“LAB for ALL” does not just end on offering healthcare services but is driven to solve even more community requirements with the help of different government agencies. Some of the agencies which concentrate on social development and economic activities are the DSWD which offers food packs and cash grants, DTI which foster and register business entities, TESDA which provides skill sets, DA providing agricultural assistance, and DMW which facilitates overseas job placement. Also DILG and LTO which deal with maintenance of law and order including support to LGU, grant of driver’s licenses, and vehicle registration services. The medical and healthcare services are primarily provided by the DOH, FDA provides medicine and PhilHealth provides health insurance as well as NHA housing assistance services. Non-government bodies include CHED, who offer scholarships, PAO who provide free legal services, PCSO who spend on and with their ambulance donate medical and financial aid and OWWA who give benefits to overseas Filipino workers and their families.
Aside from this and the medical services offered, the caravan also promotes the DOH’s programs and services in line with the President’s goal to establish a productive community by first creating a healthy community.
The project has made a significant impact on the lives of many Filipinos through:
Improved Access to Healthcare: Reduce the barriers to healthcare access, especially for the rural and marginalized areas.
Early Detection and Treatment Enables the early detection and treatment of various diseases, leading to better health outcomes.
Reduced Healthcare Costs: Alleviate the financial burden of healthcare for many Filipinos.
Ease the Traveling Burden: Deliver healthcare services to lessen the burden for patients and make them comfortable.
A Brighter Future for Philippine Healthcare
LAB for ALL: Laboratoryo, Konsulta, at Gamot Para sa Lahat is also a platform that promotes health literacy to let Filipinos become aware about their health and encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Individuals are empowered to take control of their health as they are informed about preventive health measures.
The response has been overwhelming. “LAB for ALL” is truly amazing! Maraming salamat, Ma’am Liza, sa malasakit niyo sa kalusugan ng mga tao,” said one of the beneficiaries in Gensan.
Francis Danga, another beneficiary, said it was his first time having some of the services provided by the caravan. “Nahihirapan akong makatulog dahil sa paulit-ulit kong ubo, kaya nagpasiya akong mag-avail ng mga laboratory test, at nakatanggap din ako ng ilang mga groceries at bitamina,” (I have trouble sleeping due to my persistent cough, so I decided to avail of the laboratory tests, and I also received some groceries and vitamins.)
By bringing medical services to the doorsteps of the citizens, everyone is emancipated to take charge of their own health. By prioritizing healthcare and investing in public health programs, the government aims to build a nation where every Filipino has access to quality and affordable healthcare.
As Health Secretary Ted Herbosa aptly stated, “Truly, the road to UHC is attainable with all our concerted efforts dahil Sa Healthy Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay Mahalaga”. The “LAB for ALL” initiative continues to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of Filipinos, ensuring a brighter future for all. #
