Moncada town in Tarlac launched on Tuesday a Primary Care Provider Network (PCPN).
It seeks to link health service providers with the private sector and other establishments present in the municipality to provide immediate response on health concerns.
In her welcome message, Mayor Estelita Aquino underscored the need to balance government response in different health issues.
“For so long, we have been preoccupied in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we address another health concern that must be prioritized,” she said.
“We are thankful that our municipality is first to gauge in this partnership with the United States Agency for International Development through Tuberculosis Platforms Project (USAID TB Platforms) to give us a hand in directing tuberculosis response as well as enhance our healthcare system,” the official furthered.
Means to establish PCPN involve identifying the needs of the population and mapping available health care providers.
For her part, USAID TB Platforms Chief of Party Marianne Calnan said the event marks a significant milestone in the journey to universal healthcare.
“This is the starting point of province-wide universal healthcare system and for the coming months we hope that we will engage other municipalities in Tarlac to be able to establish primary care provider network like what is Moncada doing now,” Calnan said.
She recognized all partner agencies and stakeholders working together in this program, which will serve as a benchmark for other towns.
“I want to thank everyone for working with the municipal government of Moncada and for exerting our technical assistance, as well as, for your efforts, in advancing access to healthcare for all Filipinos,” she expressed.
PCPN is a collaborative project of the municipal government of Moncada, USAID TB Platforms, and Department of Health. (CLJD/GLSB-PIA 3)