The Pangasinan provincial government has achieved over 90 percent coverage for its innovative Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultation program, which provides a means for residents to conveniently register and avail of PhilHealth’s outpatient benefits.
The provincial government said 90 percent of its 44 municipalities and three cities have been reached by the program, equivalent to some 1.2 million residents registered.
Those registered with the PhilHealth Konsulta will be eligible to avail of medical consultation, health risk screening and assessment, selected laboratory and diagnostic tests, and selected medicines.
The initiative, cited by PhilHealth, provides incentives for Pangasinan residents, including those in far-flung barangays, to register with the PhilHealth Konsulta without disruption to their livelihood.
Residents are either given a modest amount of money for fare or to cover their day’s wages to enable them to register through the Guiconsulta program.
To further minimize the inconvenience and disruption, the provincial government mobilized caravans to remote areas to bring the registration to the doorsteps of residents.
The Guiconsulta program was launched in October 2024 upon the promulgation of an ordinance by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
The Department of Health last month recognized the Pangasinan provincial government as one of three national awardees for its Healthy Communities Awards 2024.
Pangasinan received a bronze award for meeting at least 50 percent of the required criteria, alongside Pasay City and Davao de Oro.
Governor Ramon Guico III said the province’s health programs align with its strategic goals.
“We never aimed to win this prestigious award, it just aligned with our strategic plan and our programs for the province. We just did what we need to do,” he said
It was the first time the province received the recognition since the award’s launch in 2021.
The award assesses 12 key components, including potable water and food security, active transport and road safety, housing, essential health services, quality education, clean environments, income support, and equitable health financing.