"We are trying to perfect our health system" — Gov. Bulut

Luna, Apayao - Apayao Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr. commits to holistic development, recently underscoring that the Provincial Government envisions an established strategic delivery of healthcare services primarily to address health concerns for those living in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) province-wide.

The statement was delivered by the governor in his speech during the courtesy visit of DOH Usec. Maria Clarissa Rosario Vergeire at the Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center (FNLGHTC) in Luna on April 4, 2024.

"I have presented the rationale of the Provincial health system to USec. and presently we are integrating strategies on the delivery of our health care services across the province. I hope that we will continue our health care services in spite of our infrastructure's ongoing developments," Bulut conveyed.

"We are trying to perfect our health system by going intra with our referral system. This means that people will not have to go out from the province during emergencies, they shall be provided immediate medical attention at our health facilities. We want the GIDA areas to be reached by our doctors. By this, we fill out the gaps of our health system," he added.

The governor lauded the outstanding performance demonstrated by the FNLGHTC in delivering health initiatives, citing the statistical reports presented by the hospital Chief, Dr. Marlene Lobo.

"Reading from the reports presented, based on layman's view, the high admission rate signifies high demand of hospital care and utilization, but we also note that outpatient rate is high, meaning many patients have recovered, because they are getting efficient treatment. But of course, we are not pleased having more inpatients," he stressed.

For her part, DOH Usec. Maria Clarissa Rosario Vergeire mentioned the similarity of Governor Bulut's pursuit for health programs with the DOH secretary's plans, highlighting the vital establishment of the Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Health Sector (BUCAS), which aims to provide citizens access to health facilities.

"The BUCAS centers are urgent care units and ambulatory services, it's a midway between the primary health care and the hospitals that will serve patients from 6:00am to 10:00pm. Its implementation will address major problems of our hospitals, by offering to the public Outpatient Consultations, Laboratory Tests, Minor Surgeries, and Emergency Care," the undersecretary expressed.

"My visit here in Apayao is so satisfying and worthwhile...I perceived you have a good governance here, and the resources are there, but people's access to health facilities is critical... I am committing to helping you with the extension clinics to bridge the gap of GIDA areas," she added.

Additionally, DOH CAR Regional Director Dr. Amelita M. Pangilinan pledged to continue supporting Apayao's quest for an improved and conducive health system.

"We will see how we can improve in helping you with your health system... efficient and quality health care should be made available to the least, lost, and last," RD Pangilinan stated.