Some 420 residents of Manaoag, Pangasinan have availed of free services of the Department of Health (DOH)’s primary care van.
Gina Gomez, one of the beneficiaries, said the van has saved her time and money.
“I usually go to Region 1 Medical Center in Dagupan City to have my X-ray and electrocardiogram (ECG) but with the primary care van, I need not go far and I could also avail the services for free,” Gomez said.
Mayor Jeremy Agerico Rosario said the van has already served more than 400 residents since the launching on Nov. 18.
“The van is operational during weekdays, situated in front of the Rural Health Unit,” Rosario said.
The mayor added they are considering the clustering of barangays in order to accommodate all the residents of the town.
“Aside from the free medical services, the primary care van raises awareness on some diseases that could be prevented by seeking medical intervention earlier.”
“Aside from the free medical services, the primary care van raises awareness on some diseases that could be prevented by seeking medical intervention earlier,” he said.
DOH officer-in-charge Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire said the primary care program of the agency specifically focuses on illness prevention and promotion of health.
“Ibig sabihin bago pa man din magkasakit ang isang individual atin na itong napipigilan na mapunta siya doon sa kumplikado na ang kanyang sakit dahil we have prevented and promoted health in the community,” Vergeire said.
“We want to reach the far-flung areas for them to avail of these services that are not accessible to them.”
She said the van will go around the Ilocos Region offering free X-ray and ECG as well as laboratory tests including detection tests for tuberculosis and COVID-19.
“We want to reach the far-flung areas for them to avail of these services that are not accessible to them,” Vergeire stressed.
DOH-Ilocos Regional Director Paula Paz Sydiongco said the launching of the primary care van is part of the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law.
