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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos wants 24/7 BUCAS center operations

Marcos wants 24/7 BUCAS center operations

Published May 24, 2025 09:26 am

At A Glance

  • BUCAS centers offer minor surgeries, adult and pediatric immunizations, and dental services, among others.
President Marcos wants Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers to be open daily and round-the-clock to provide immediate medical and health care services.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Malacañang photo)

During the inauguration of the Region 1 Medical Center Cancer Institute in Dagupan City, the President said illness does not choose a specific time.

“Nais nating maging twenty-four hours, seven days a week itong bukas dahil ang sakit, eh wala namang pinipiling oras (We want this open for 24/7 because an illness doesn't choose time),” he said.

"Nais din nating dumami pa ito para mas maraming mabigyan ng dekalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan (We want to open more BUCAS centers so many people can receive quality medical services)," he added.

Three BUCAS centers are in the Ilocos region, with one operating in Dagupan City.

Established to address Filipinos' ambulatory medical and surgical care needs, BUCAS centers offer minor surgeries, adult and pediatric immunizations, and dental services, among others.

Since its launch in March 2024, BUCAS centers have provided medical and health care services to around 800,000 Filipinos, including those from far-flung areas.

The creation of BUCAS centers was inspired by the “LAB For All” project of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, which was intended to provide medical and health care services for the marginalized sector.

Early this month, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said BUCAS centers are equipped with modern medical equipment and qualified healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality service.

According to the Palace Press Officer, 51 BUCAS centers operate in 33 provinces to date. Of the total figure, 26 are in Luzon, eight in the Visayas, and 17 in Mindanao.

She added that the BUCAS centers cater to over 500 patients daily and continue to be a go-to for Filipinos in need of urgent, non-life-threatening medical attention.

They also offer various medical services, including laboratory tests, tuberculosis screening and management, vaccinations, cancer screening, and surgical operations for breast, tumor, and cataracts.

"Our people can quickly avail of laboratory services such as complete blood count, blood chemistry, urinalysis, blood typing, x-ray, ultrasonography, ECG, fecalysis, FOBT, dengue NSI, dengue IGG and IGM, and Covid rapid antigen test at HBsAg,” Castro said.

BUCAS centers also offer consultations for high blood pressure and diabetes, and complete checkups for pregnant women and their babies.

Other BUCAS services include OB-GYN consultation, mental health support, first aid and referral for crash injuries, nutrition services, dental care, animal bite treatment, and access to medicine through an in-house pharmacy.

These facilities also offer specialized services for senior citizens, such as geriatric care, ENT (ear, nose, throat), orthopedic, and surgical procedures.

Castro said that services at BUCAS centers are free, except for specific medical procedures, which may require a minimal fee.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Healthcare BUCAS
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