The Ifugao Public Health Care Provider Network signs memorandum of agreement with apex hospitals namely: Region 2 Trauma and Medical Center in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; Southern Isabela Medical Center in Santiago, Isabela; Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center in Baguio City, and Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital in Bauko, Mountain Province. These hospitals serve as end-referral centers, offering specialized services for patients beyond the capacity of local health facilities. (Photo courtesy:DOH-CAR)
BANAUE, Ifugao (PIA)—With the goal of providing all stakeholders access to affordable and quality healthcare services, the Ifugao Province recently launched the Ifugao Public Health Care Provider Network (HCPN).
This network comprises public primary to secondary healthcare providers dedicated to delivering people-centered and comprehensive care in an integrated and coordinated manner. The primary care provider acts as the navigator and coordinator of healthcare within the network.
The Ifugao Public HCPN led by Governor Jerry Dalipog and Provincial Health Officer Dra. Priscilla Pagada also formalized agreements with apex hospitals namely: Region 2 Trauma and Medical Center in in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya through Medical Center Chief Ray P. Suanding; Southern Isabela Medical Center in Santiago City, Isabela thru Dr. Melchor C. Dela Cruz, and Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center in Baguio City thru Dr. Ricardo B. Runez Jr., and Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital in Abatan, Bauko, Mountain Province thru Dr. Eduardo Calpito.
The Apex hospitals serve as end-referral centers, offering specialized services for patients beyond the capacity of local health facilities.
Ifugao Provincial Health Officer, Dra. Priscilla Pagada explains that these partner hospitals are in close proximity to specific municipalities within the province, considering the geographical challenges of the province. Photo from DOH-CAR
Pagada said this initiative will further alleviate congestion in provincial hospitals by fostering an empowered and systemic approach, ensuring a clear delineation of roles among key agencies and stakeholders.
With the HCPN, the structured flow extends seamlessly from Barangay Health Centers to Rural Health Units and then progresses to district hospitals, fostering improved performance within the health system.
Dra. Pagada and Population Program Office Mary Jane Gahid said this initiative marks a milestone for the province in catering to all stakeholders, underscoring the commitment of “walang maiiwan” by providing the community with affordable and quality healthcare services as aimed under the Universal Health Care (UHC).
Department of Health Cordillera Regional Director Rio Magpantay praised the province for developing its own IPHCN and for collaborating with nearby hospitals.
Meanwhile, IPHCPN members that include local government units, DOH, partner hospitals and agencies, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation pledged their commitment to upholding the highest standards mandated by the UHC law.
This commitment aims to establish a strong, unified, integrated, and sustainable healthcare system across the province, fostering motivation to deliver quality, effective, and accessible healthcare services.
The UHC law, officially Republic Act No. 11223 signed on February 20, 2019, seeks to provide all Filipinos with access to affordable and quality healthcare services without causing financial hardship. (JDP/FBR-PIA CAR, Ifugao)
