IMUS CITY, Cavite (PIA) — Residents of Imus City can now have improved access to healthcare services with the opening of the Department of Health's (DOH) Super Health Center in Barangay Carsadang Bago 1 in Imus, Cavite.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, who led the inauguration of the healthcare facility on Jan. 19, emphasized that the Super Health Center reflects the DOH's commitment to improving access to healthcare services and realizing Universal Health Care (UHC).

According to DOH, the Super Health Center offers various health services, including x-ray, an animal bite clinic, Tuberculosis Directly Observed Therapy Short Course (TB-DOTS), dental, laboratory, pharmacy, immunization, family planning, and reproductive and wellness services.

Citing challenges in the implementation of UHC, Herbosa said the DOH needs the support of local officials to proactively implement health programs and improve the country's healthcare system.

“Mayor Advincula said that I am the supposed guardian of health in our country. That is not easy. I need to help 130 million Filipinos, and I can’t do that alone. We need mayors like Mayor Advincula who are focused on health initiatives,” said Herbosa.

Herbosa also lauded the Imus City government for prioritizing the health of its residents.

“We look at Imus, Cavite, as one of our most advanced LGUs in terms of UHC implementation and to take a more proactive role in implementing the department’s initiatives as we envision UHC," the health chief added.

Imus City Mayor Alex Advincula thanked the national government for the construction of the Super Health Center, emphasizing that it would help more residents get access to healthcare services.

He also expressed support for various health programs of the national government, stating that good health is an integral part of a person’s life.

“We prioritize health programs because we believe that, regardless of skills, education, or wealth, if you are unhealthy, nothing will happen in your life. I believe that when the body is healthy, we can accomplish more and we can contribute more to our beloved country,” Advincula said.

With support from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the DOH also committed to providing special medical procedures and medicines needed by the city’s residents.

Herbosa said the DOH is also working to establish 28 national ambulatory and urgent care centers nationwide, catering to an estimated 28 million of the most vulnerable Filipinos, by the year 2028. (CH/PIA-4A)