IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) recently launched the PuroKalusugan (PK) program in Zamboanga Sibugay, bringing essential healthcare services closer to underserved communities, and strengthening grassroots healthcare delivery.
Focusing on puroks, smaller subdivisions within a barangay, enables the program to bring healthcare services closer to residents through a more organized and community-based approach.
Doctor Augusto Manolo Alpichi, chief of the local health support division of DOH-9, emphasized the essence of PuroKalusugan as a community-centered approach to healthcare during the maiden episode of Kapihan sa Rehiyon Nueve.
“Healthcare is not just about treating illnesses, it is about empowering communities, preventing diseases before they strike, and ensuring that no Filipino is left behind no matter where they live,” he said.
In Payao town, PK has been implemented in Purok Saturn of Barangay Lower Bulawan, Purok 1 of Barangay Nanan, and Purok 2 of Barangay Mayabo
Meanwhile, in the town of Olutanga, PK is now active in Purok 1 of Barangay Solar and Purok 1 of Barangay Pulo Mabao.
Residents in these communities now have better access to essential health services, eliminating the need to travel long distances and spend money on transportation for healthcare.
PK aligns with the DOH’s Eight Priority Health Outcomes, focusing on vaccination, nutrition support and wellness education, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), maternal and child health services, tuberculosis (TB) and HIV screening, and road safety awareness campaigns.
With PK in place, the DOH and partner local government units reaffirm their commitment to inclusive, people-centered, and resilient healthcare.
DOH-9 urges the public to take an active role in safeguarding their health by making use of the services available in their communities.
“We urge the community to actively participate, take advantage of the health services available and prioritize preventive care,” Alpichi added. (EDT/RBI/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)
