The province of Laguna is set to witness a significant milestone in healthcare with the opening of the first ‘Super Health Center’ (SHC) in Calauan town.
This move, spearheaded by lawmakers and the Department of Health (DOH) in collaboration with local government units (LGUs), promises to revolutionize access to quality medical services in the region.
Here’s a look at what you can expect from this groundbreaking development.
Legal Basis of SHCs
The DOH’s Super Health Centers draw legitimacy from several sources.
The Philippine Constitution mandates the government to prioritize healthcare access for citizens.
The Universal Health Care Act emphasizes building new healthcare facilities to improve service delivery.
Additionally, recent legislative proposals and pronouncements from senators support the creation of Super Health Centers, particularly in underserved areas, to alleviate pressure on hospitals and provide more comprehensive primary care.
The Vision Behind Super Health Centers
Expanding Healthcare Access
The primary goal of the SHC initiative is to democratize access to quality healthcare, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
Senator Lawrence “Bong” Go, who inspected the soon-to-open Calauan SHC, emphasized that these centers will bring government healthcare closer to the people, empowering communities and promoting health equity.
The development reflects a concerted effort by multiple government agencies to ensure that even those in the most remote locations have access to essential medical services.
Comprehensive Medical Services
Unlike typical community health centers, SHCs are designed to offer a broad range of medical services under one roof.
Equipped with X-ray and ultrasound machines, birthing rooms, surgical units, and isolation areas, these centers are well-prepared to handle various medical needs.
They will also provide specialized services such as eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) care, oncology treatment, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and telemedicine services.
Additionally, SHCs will have in-house pharmacies to ensure that patients have easy access to necessary medications.
The First SHC in Calauan Town
Inspection and Preparation
Senator Bong Go, along with local officials, recently inspected the first SHC in Calauan.
This inspection marks the final steps before the center officially opens its doors to the public. The Calauan SHC is the first of 13 planned centers in Laguna, with 12 more in the pipeline.
This development signifies a pivotal step in the government’s ongoing efforts to bolster the health sector across the country.
Strategic Location
The SHC in Calauan, along with future centers, is strategically located to maximize accessibility for residents.
These locations are chosen to ensure that people do not have to travel long distances to receive medical care.
This is particularly important in a country as large and diverse as the Philippines, where many areas lack nearby hospitals.
Future SHCs in Laguna
Broader Initiative
The SHCs in Laguna are part of a broader initiative supported by Senator Go, aiming to bring government services closer to Filipinos.
Apart from Calauan, SHCs are planned for 12 other areas in the province, ensuring comprehensive coverage and accessibility.
The DOH, led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, plays a crucial role in selecting strategic locations and securing funding for these centers.
Services Offered
Each SHC will provide a variety of healthcare services, including outpatient care, birthing services, isolation facilities, diagnostic services (such as X-ray and ultrasound), and ambulatory surgical units.
Additionally, they will offer specialized services like EENT care, oncology centers, physical therapy, rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine services.
This comprehensive approach ensures that residents have access to a wide range of medical services without needing to travel far.
Support for Barangay Health Workers
Acknowledging Dedication
During his inspection of the Calauan SHC, Senator Go took the opportunity to commend barangay health workers for their dedication and hard work.
He distributed grocery packs, snacks, shirts, and sports equipment to the health workers, recognizing their crucial role in the healthcare system.
Go highlighted the importance of supporting health workers at the grassroots level, acknowledging that their dedication is the backbone of community health services.
Legislative Efforts
Senator Go has been actively involved in legislative efforts to improve the welfare of barangay health workers.
He filed Senate Bill No. 427, which seeks to provide allowances and benefits to these workers.
If passed into law, this measure will ensure that barangay health workers receive a monthly allowance, benefits, privileges, and security of tenure.
Go’s commitment to this cause underscores the importance of supporting those who play a vital role in delivering healthcare services to the community.
Additional Healthcare Initiatives
Malasakit Centers
In addition to the SHCs, Senator Go has been instrumental in promoting the Malasakit Centers program.
These centers, operational at Laguna Medical Center in Sta. Cruz and San Pablo City General Hospital, consolidate services from various government entities to support indigent Filipinos needing medical assistance.
The Malasakit Centers provide a one-stop shop for medical support, with agencies like the DOH, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office collaborating to assist patients with their hospital bills.
Regional Specialty Centers Act
Senator Go is also a key figure behind the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of specialty centers in DOH regional hospitals.
This legislation aims to enhance healthcare services by setting up specialty centers within existing hospitals, providing more advanced medical care closer to home.
The Act aligns with the Philippine Development Plan for 2023 to 2028, focusing on improving healthcare infrastructure and services across the country.
Video: Super Health Center project ng DOH, itatayo sa Bulacan
The Department of Health is commencing construction on a Super Health Center in Bulacan. This facility, larger than ordinary health centers, aims to serve a larger population and provide expanded healthcare services.
Conclusion
The opening of the first Super Health Center in Calauan marks a significant advancement in Laguna’s healthcare landscape.
This move, backed by dedicated lawmakers, the DOH, and local government units, promises to bring comprehensive medical services closer to residents, particularly in remote areas.
With the imminent launch of this center and more to follow, Laguna is set to become a model of accessible and quality healthcare.
The continued support for barangay health workers and the establishment of Malasakit Centers and Regional Specialty Centers further demonstrate a robust commitment to improving the health sector for all Filipinos.