BANGUED, Abra (PIA) — Health workers and stakeholders in Abra boosted efforts to deliver inclusive and responsive healthcare services in communities in the province through an enhanced implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.
During the Abra UHC Convention dubbed “Taripnong: Salun-at to Abreño, Intay Intandudo” held on October 29, 2024, the Department of Health (DOH)-Cordillera with the Provincial Health Office led discussions towards improved UHC implementation among personnel of Rural Health Units, medical facilities, and local government units in the province.
We reaffirm our collective determination to make meaningful strides in the implementation of the Universal Healthcare Law to deliver inclusive and responsive healthcare services to communities,” stressed Dr. Lilibeth Martin, Provincial DOH Office Head.
She added that the DOH continues to hold capacity building training to enhance the skills of healthcare workers towards the delivery of quality healthcare services to the diverse Cordillera communities where healthcare varies significantly.
Based on the 2024 Midyear Validation Report, the province of Abra reached 100% in the Preparatory Level of the UHC implementation. This includes the integration of local health systems into a province-wide health system, reconstitution of the Provincial Health Board, a tripartite agreement between the DOH, Provincial Government of Abra, and the Philhealth, creation of relevant health units and committees, establishment of the PHO Emergency Operations Center, opening of the Special Health Fund, and creation of Public Health Unit in infirmaries and hospitals among others.
Meanwhile, Governor Dominic Valera through Bangued Vice-Mayor Kiko Bernos, assured the support of the provincial government in the delivery of public health services to Abreños.
“Abra is doing its best to serve the people by getting new equipment for our hospital. The provincial government is doing its best to serve the people and give better services in the Abra Provincial Hospital,” Bernos shared.
He also emphasized the importance of discussing public health issues to learn new and innovative ways to improve the health of Abra communities and delivery of public service through improving healthcare.
Topics during the convention include Integrating Local Health Systems towards the Realization of UHC; Maximizing the Philhealth Konsulta Package and Ways Forward, Abra UHC Implementation Updates, the Special Health Fund, and the sharing of UHC Implementation in Apayao. An open forum was also held to answer issues and concerns in the implementation of the UHC.
“Through our pledge of commitment, we reaffirmed every Filipino’s right to enjoy the highest possible quality of healthcare – one that is efficient, equitably distributed, and free from financial burden,” said Dr. Maria Cristina Valera-Cabrera, Provincial Health Officer II.
The UHC is a whole-of-nation approach of achieving inclusive, accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare for Filipinos. It consists of strategies, programs, and targets in the different health system pillars towards achieving universal healthcare. (JJPM, PIA-CAR, Abra)
