All provinces in the country will get their own mobile clinic in a bid to improve the healthcare system in the country.

In his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos assured the nation that basic medical services will reach every province in the Philippines through mobile clinics.

"Titiyakin natin na ang bawat isang probinsya ay mabibigyan ng mobile clinic, upang ang laboratory exam at ilan pang pangunahing serbisyong-medikal ay mapapalapit natin sa ating mga kababayan (We will ensure that every province will get their own mobile clinic so that laboratory exam and other basic medical services reach the people)," Marcos said in his 82-minute SONA on Monday, July 22.

The President said the government would prioritize providing enough health facilities and centers around the country as soon as possible.

In his speech, he cited the more than 20 Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) Centers in various areas in the country which are intended to decongest public hospitals.

"[T]hese centers shall provide competent ambulatory care, most especially to the poor and to the disadvantaged, for health conditions that do not require hospital admission," he said.

Marcos also reported on several developments his administration has accomplished in the health sector such as the inclusion of more generic drugs covered by the PhilHealth, the increase in the benefits for severe illness.

"Naglaan po tayo ng mas mataas na pondo para sa ating medical assistance program, kaya higit na mas marami pang mga Pilipino ang matutulungan nito ngayong taon (We have set aside bigger fund for our medical assistance in order to help more Filipinos this year)," he said.

"Aside from our aggressive hiring efforts, we have enhanced medical and allied health programs, allocated seed funds for public medical schools, and launched scholarships, and review and upskilling programs. These are to support the medical and nursing professions, with the goal to strengthen and increase our human resources for health," he added.

The Chief Executive said the government is also prioritizing vaccinations, nutrition, mental well-being, and active and healthy lifestyles as part of its recalibrated health approach towards prevention and healthy habits.

Marcos further stated that his administration will continue to enhance these feeding programs in schools and day-care centers, considering that expanded school-based feeding program has had a significant impact on the physical and mental well-being of more than half of the learner-beneficiaries.

"Closely related to these, the DOST (Department of Science and Technology) has been continuously undertaking scientific research to develop nutritious food and drinks, which can be integrated into the government’s feeding program," the President said.

He also made mention of the pressing and delicate issues on mental health, citing that the Department of Health (DOH) has launched its comprehensive mental health plan and ensured sufficient supply of medications.
 
"Government is aware of the pressing yet delicate social issues of the day, such as the mental well-being of our people," he said.

"The DOH has launched its comprehensive mental health plan and ensured sufficient supply of medications. PhilHealth has also released this year its mental health benefit package for all its members," he added.