SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – Residents of Barangay Siboan-Otong and neighboring areas can now access healthcare services closer to home with the recent inauguration of the first Super Health Center in La Union.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, led the opening ceremony, highlighting the center’s role in improving access to early disease detection, medical consultations, and primary care.
Super Health Centers are a nationwide initiative designed to bridge the gap in healthcare access, particularly in far-flung communities.
This center will offer essential services like early disease detection, medical consultations, and primary care, all under one roof.
Senator Go highlighted the center’s role in strengthening the local healthcare system, emphasizing its collaboration with municipal health offices, local government units (LGUs), and PhilHealth’s Konsulta program.
“This center embodies our commitment to make healthcare accessible and affordable for all Filipinos, especially those in remote areas,” Senator Go said.
He expressed willingness to explore further expansion of services, including dialysis, if space permits.
The Super Health Center is a testament to collaboration between various government agencies aiming to improve healthcare access and quality of life for Filipinos in rural areas.
Located nearly an hour away from the nearest city hospital, the facility is expected to significantly reduce travel costs and burdens for residents seeking medical attention.
DOH-Region 1 Director Paula Paz Sydiongco emphasized the positive impact on residents.
“This will significantly help, especially with transportation costs, which can reach P150-P200 per tricycle ride to town,” she said.
“Here, they can receive the health services they need. The Super Health Center will also facilitate referrals to medical facilities with higher service capabilities for those with serious or complex health concerns,” she added.
San Fernando City Mayor Hermenigildo Gualberto expressed his gratitude for the initiative.
“We are truly thankful for bringing healthcare facilities and services closer to our city. We appreciate the service provided to San Fernando and La Union as a whole,” he said.
The Super Health Center will cater to the needs of seven upland barangays in San Fernando City, namely Birunget, Bungro, Narra Este, Narra Oeste, Sagayad, Tanquigan, and Siboan-Otong.
The facility is currently in Phase 1, funded by the DOH’s 2022 Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP) with a budget of P6.5 million.
Phase 2 construction, funded with P6 million allocated under HFEP 2024, is underway.
The center will primarily focus on outpatient services and basic first aid.
It will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will be managed by the San Fernando City Health Office.
This is just the first of six planned Super Health Centers in La Union.
Construction is ongoing in Aringay, Naguilian, Pugo, Rosario, and San Juan. (AMB/PIA Region 1)
