The Department of Health (DOH) reaffirmed its commitment to fast-track the construction and completion of numerous Super Health Centers (SHCs) in Bulacan.
These facilities are essential in decongesting public hospitals across the province.
DOH Bulacan Field Office Development Management Officer Emily Paulino explained that SHCs are semi-hospitals that are larger than the usual rural health units.
“They are equipped with a birthing facility, isolation room, pharmacy, and an ambulatory surgical unit. It is expandable and can cater to more facilities such as laboratory, X-ray, ultrasound and dialysis units,” she furthered.
The latest such facility to be inaugurated by the agency is located at Barangay Taboc in Angat.
Resident Joan Villarama said they are lucky that Taboc was chosen as the site of the SHC out of 16 barangays in the municipality.
“Consultations, laboratories, and emergency treatments are now made easily accessible as we do not have to travel far to avail of health services,” Villarama added.
For his part, municipal councilor Darwin Calderon thanked DOH for the SHC.
“This facility will indeed play a major role in providing quality and free health services to Angateños,” he emphasized.
DOH targets seven out of the 18 SHCs allotted for Bulacan to be completed this 2024.
They are located in the city of Baliwag and municipalities of Marilao, Obando, Paombong, Plaridel, San Ildefonso, and San Rafael.
The agency allocates P12 million to each SHC under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program.
From the figure, P10 million is for the construction of the structure while P2 million is for the necessary equipment. (CLJD/VFC, PIA Region 3-Bulacan)