By Argyll Cyrus Geducos
President Duterte vowed to improve the healthcare system in the country, saying it remains to be one of the government's top priority in order to give Filipinos a comfortable life.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the 85th National Convention of the Philippine Public Health Association at the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City on July 18, 2018. (SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Duterte made the statement during the 85th Annual National Convention of the Philippine Public Health Association held at Grand Regal Hotel in Lanang, Davao City.
During the close-in event, the President urged members of the association to work closely with government in providing better healthcare for the Filipino people.
His administration, Duterte said will continue to work on improving the Philippine healthcare system gradually until all healthcare services are free.
"We will be suffering a shortfall maybe, in the money that is available now if we go into the universal healthcare --- na libre na lahat (where everything is free)," Duterte said.
"We are always open for what is good for the Filipino, and I will not hesitate to spend money basta diyan. Binubuhoskotalagaangperapagkadiyanna (for healthcare. I will really spend the money when we have it)," he added.
The President likewise advised health personnel to work closely with barangay health workers in monitoring health situations in the communities.
"You are better being close to the barangay health workers or to the doctor assigned in the particular area where you can dialogue with him every now and then. And you can map out plans on how to do it," he said.