SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga—The Department of Health in Central Luzon is giving away free medicine to the underprivileged to assure the success of the ongoing preventive health care system of Pampanga.
The free medicines are meant for the marginalized sector as provided for under President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s health program.
Dr. Leonila Gorgolon, DoH regional director, said that under the Philippines Health Agenda, poor Filipinos must receive at least two medical checkups a year to assure their productivity and well-being.
Gorgolon announced the handout of free medicines to the province during a meeting on the health management system attended by Gov. Lilia Pineda and health workers here yesterday.
Health workers will assist the DoH in the distribution of free medicines to the 505 barangays spread out in the four districts of the province.
They are also asked to locate sick people in their areas, especially the poor and senior citizens, so they will be given medical attention by the authorities.
Patterned after the Cuban health program, the preventive health care system of Pampanga calls for prevention to address the financial burden to the members of the family.
The program was launched last January by 2nd District Rep. Gloria Arroyo and Gov. Lilia Pineda to help residents, especially those who cannot afford the growing expensive medical treatment in the province.
In a related development, starting this month 11 local government units and two cities here will receive premium contributions from the members of the Philippine Health insurance Corp. or Philhealth in the province.
In a memorandum of agreement between the Pampanga Mayors League and Philhealth, the local officials will serve as additional collecting agents of the government agency.
Under the collection and remittance agreement, the LGU will receive collection premium contributions for the private and government workers, business establishments, household helpers and family drivers who are Philhealth members.
Walter Bacareza, officer in charge of Philhealth in Central Luzon said the agreement with local government units was made first in Luzon and Mindanao.
The agreement was signed by Lubao Mayor Mylyn Cayabyab, president of the Pampanga Mayors’ League and Bacareza during a simple ceremony here Friday.