Mayor Honey urges residents to visit Manila health centers, avail free health services
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan called on Sunday, Nov. 26, to visit the city's health centers and avail of its free services.
Lacuna-Pangan urged them to go to the 44 health centers in the city to be able to receive the health services that they need for free.
She said free consultations, check-ups, free medicines, and referrals to city-run hospitals are being provided to the residents who need primary healthcare.
The mayor added that based on the report from the Manila Health Department (MHD) Chief, Dr. Arnold “Poks” Pangan, the city's 44 health centers also offer new services such as free laboratory tests and electrocardiogram (ECG).
She said free ultrasound is offered to pregnant residents.
She noted that services like the ECG, laboratory tests, and ultrasound are expensive if residents avail them from private hospitals.
The mayor stressed the importance of check-ups to avoid complications and hospitalization, which is more expensive.
Meanwhile, MHD Chief Poks Pangan encouraged residents to try the city's new patient health center online appointment system.
He said that the online appointment system is pursuant to the Universal Health Care Act and one of the eight-point agenda of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa.
He added that digitalization or electronic medical databases is being utilized for faster records and transactions.
However, Pangan also assured residents who lack devices and may not be able to schedule appointments, that the health centers will still accept walk-ins.
"Ke naka-appointment o walk-in, malugod po kayong tatanggapon sa ating health centers. Bumista kayo para maramdaman ninyo ang kalinga at mabigyan kayo ng libreng serbisyo (if you have an appointment or walk-in, you will be welcomed at our health centers. Come and feel the care and be provided with free services),” he said.