The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday said it will launch a citizens’ participatory audit to allow the public to report irregularities in Super Health Centers nationwide.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa reported the status of the centers to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) amid concerns that at least 300 of the centers remain non-operational.
“The DOH will continue building cases for the Super Health Centers on the existing list, which increased from 297 to 300. The ICI will support the continuation of investigations,” the DOH said in a statement.
Super Health Centers are enhanced rural health units designed to provide primary care and decongest hospitals.
Through the Health Facility Enhancement Program, the DOH has funded 878 Super Health Centers since 2021. Of these, 365 are still under construction, 17 are partially operational, and 300 remain non-operational.
The Health Department has already received multiple reports from citizens regarding non-functional Super Health Centers.
“What I promised ICI is that I will do an investigation and case buildup. If we have a case and we think someone is criminally or administratively liable, I will submit it,” Herbosa said.
