OROQUIETA, Misamis Occidental (PIA) -- The provincial government officials, local chief executives, and health professionals commit to integrating the province-wide health system to intensify the implementation of Universal Health Care (UHC) in Misamis Occidental. 

In a concerted effort to address the evolving healthcare needs of its constituents, the Provincial Health Board convened its first meeting at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center on April 12. 

The meeting aimed to discuss critical matters to enhance healthcare service delivery in alignment with the standards prescribed by the Department of Health (DOH), particularly level 2 organizational maturity and level 3 functional maturity, as part of the Universal Health Care System implementation. 

Chaired by Provincial Gov. Henry S. Oaminal and Vice Chairman Provincial Health Officer Dr. Holly Tago, and attended by Dr. Sulpicio Henry Legaspi Jr., Director of the Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao, as well as officials, board members, mayors, doctors, and department heads of the province, the meeting addressed vital issues concerning healthcare accessibility and quality. 

Governor Henry Oaminal emphasized the importance of accessible and high-quality healthcare for all residents, highlighting healthcare as not just a policy matter but a fundamental aspect of collective welfare. 

He reiterated the province's commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare services for every individual, irrespective of background or circumstances. 

Center for Health Development-Northern Mindanao Regional Director, Dr. Sulpicio Henry Legaspi Jr., underscored the significance of the agenda, stating that it would serve as the backbone of the health system delivery in Misamis Occidental. 

He commended the provincial government, under Oaminal's leadership, for prioritizing health services, emphasizing that primary health care is critical to UHC. He expressed optimism about the province's healthcare system's development and commended Governor Oaminal's vision for the province. 

One of the meeting's key highlights was the presentation of proposed policies to achieve 100 percent organizational and functional maturity of the province-wide health system of Misamis Occidental. These policies included a Memorandum of Agreement for Inter-LGU Cooperation, a MOA with Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC), and a Provincial Ordinance for the establishment and internationalization of the Province-Wide Health System (PWHS). Another important item on the item on the agenda was the approval of technical guidelines/manual on the implementation of the referral system, among others. 

The meeting marked a critical step toward improving the province's healthcare sector and ensuring that all residents have access to high-quality healthcare services. (PGMO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)