The government will look into ways to effectively implement Universal Health Care, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said as he emphasized the importance of proper healthcare for Filipinos.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Photo courtesy of Malacañang)
Speaking during the launch of the South Cotabato province-wide Healthcare System and Referral Manual in Koronadal City on Wednesday, June 14, Marcos brought up the Universal Health Care, saying the national government must duplicate South Cotabato's initiative.
“Simple lang naman yung Universal Health Care. Sinasabi (na) lahat, basta’t mamamayang Pilipino ay kailangan suportado ang kanilang pagbili ng gamot, ang kanilang pagpapatingin sa doktor, ang mga ospital – ang pang-ospital nila, ang treatment nila, kailangan natin bigyan ng tulong (What the Universal Health Care does is simple. The government must support Filipinos in buying medicines, getting medical consultations, in their hospitalization, and treatment)” the President said.
“Kaya’t tamang-tama yung ating bagong DOH (Department of Health) Secretary ay pag-aaralan namin nang mabuti …para maging kasing-ganda ng nangyari ngayon dito sa SouthCot na maayos na at makikita na natin ang Universal Health Care (It's very timely as our new DOH Secretary will study it thoroughly so that it will be as good as what they have here in South Cotabato and we can finally see the Universal Health Care),” he added.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said among his priorities as the new DOH chief is to ensure the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law.
The South Cotabato province launched its province-wide Healthcare System and Referral Manual to help all residents, especially the indigents, get the proper healthcare in line with the Universal Health Care law.
Marcos was in Koronadal City to grace the launching of the program, and to lead the distribution of various government assistance, including livelihood and training support, to the residents and farmers in South Cotabato.
Cash assistance and family food packs were given to around 2,000 identified beneficiaries while machinery such as combine harvesters, precision rice seeders, and walk-behind transplanters were turned over to several farmers’ cooperatives and farmers’ associations.
The President said livelihood support under the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) amounting to P13,114,546 was given to 619 beneficiaries from various local government units.
A total of 5,166 beneficiaries benefited from the various government assistance.