DOH boosts health care access with new BUCAS centers and PuroKalusugan
The Department of Health (DOH) is focusing on improving primary health care at the community level. To achieve this, it is intensifying its PuroKalusugan program and expanding the Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers in underserved areas across the country.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa shared these priorities during a recent speech at the Unilab Foundation Partners’ Night at Novotel Araneta Center. He emphasized that the DOH is now prioritizing primary health care at the Purok level and opening more BUCAS centers nationwide.
Herbosa explained that when he took office last year, the goal was to build 28 BUCAS centers to serve the 28 million poorest Filipinos by 2028. However, within just nine months, 46 BUCAS centers have already opened across the country. These centers are being led by medical center chiefs without needing additional funding, thanks to fiscal autonomy.
The BUCAS centers work alongside the PuroKalusugan program, where barangay health workers and community leaders conduct house-to-house visits. They identify people in need of medical care, vaccinations, and follow-up checkups. This approach ensures that infants get immunizations, seniors receive their medications, and individuals with chronic conditions continue their medical care.
On the financial side, Herbosa highlighted that the DOH is increasing PhilHealth benefit packages, including coverage for heart attacks and dialysis. Dialysis, for example, now covers P6,350 per session for up to 156 sessions per year, up from P2,500 per session.
Herbosa also stressed the importance of private sector partnerships, particularly with the Unilab Center for Health Policy (UCHP), which supports the DOH’s efforts to make Universal Health Care (UHC) a reality. He praised UCHP’s work on research, policy, and innovation, as well as its involvement in key initiatives like the One Hospital Command Center and the enhanced patient navigation system in Metro Manila.
The new patient navigation system aims to improve coordination, data use, and staff capabilities to ensure Filipinos have timely access to medical services. The first step is developing a comprehensive roadmap aligned with DOH guidelines and the Universal Health Care Integration System (UHCIS).
Herbosa concluded by emphasizing that strengthening the health system requires collaboration across sectors. “It’s not something the government can do alone,” he said, highlighting the importance of partnerships in achieving health for all.
The event was not only a celebration of the partners’ achievements but also a recognition of how public and private sector collaboration can transform health care in the Philippines.
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