TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat (PIA) — The Department of Health (DOH) recently opened a new Super Health Center in Tacurong City to better serve the medical needs of residents in the area.
The DOH’s Health Facility Enhancement Program funded the P20 million-worth health facility in Barangay Baras, which is equipped with advanced medical equipment.
According to Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito, this will support the first SHC in Barangay Griño and help reduce the volume of patients the City Health Office cares for.
“This [SHC] is a realization of our dream to bring quality healthcare services within the reach of our communities. Residents of Baras and nearby villages don’t need to travel at least 5 kilometers to the city proper just to avail of health services; kami ang lalapit sa inyo [we will come to you],” the official said.
The SHC will serve as a primary care facility for patients, which houses a recovery ward, minor surgical room, birthing room, digital stationary x-ray room, ECG room, ultrasound room, and consultation and telemedicine room.
Lechonsito also acknowledged the support of Senator Christopher Lawrence Go’s office in completing the said facility.
Meanwhile, DOH Undersecretary Abdullah Dumama emphasized the importance of the SHC as a multi-service health center, as well as the role of the LGU in ensuring the success of its operation.
“The inauguration of this facility is just the start of a long-term relationship. We should remain steadfast with our mission of delivering health reforms,” he said.
Dumama also emphasized the need for the SHC to have a sufficient number of health professionals, a budget for maintenance and operations, a progressive facility development plan, and a functional health operation system.
DOH provides funding for the construction of the SHCs, including the provision of necessary equipment, while the LGUs provide the land area, manpower, and even some basic equipment they wish to acquire.
As of July 2024, there are already 34 Super Health Centers located in various cities and municipalities in the region, according to DOH-CHD Soccsksargen. (ORVR – PIA Sultan Kudarat)
