Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie “WES” Gatchalian presented his administration’s healthcare achievements and plans during the 2025 State of the Health Address (SOHA), held at the ALERT Multi-purpose Center on Tuesday, July 1.

In his speech, Gatchalian emphasized the city’s commitment to making healthcare accessible, affordable, and respectful — a core part of the Valenzuelife campaign that aims to ensure no resident is left behind. 

He introduced a five-point health agenda focusing on the availability of medicines, availability of doctors, affordability of healthcare, patient-centered service, and improved health facilities.

The city’s health budget increased from P88.7 million in 2024 to P127.5 million in 2025. 

This allowed expanded access to maintenance medicines for senior citizens and common over-the-counter drugs like paracetamol and antibiotics, which are now available in all health centers.

The city government also strengthened its medical workforce, increasing the number of doctors from 49 in 2023 to 82 full-time doctors assigned to barangay health centers. 

This exceeds national standards, with one doctor for every 9,096 residents. 

Additional medical staff have also been hired to ensure continuous and responsive care in each barangay.

Gatchalian highlighted that affordability remains a top priority in the city’s healthcare delivery. 

All clinical laboratory tests and lying-in clinic services — including urinalysis, CBC, normal delivery, and newborn screening — are now free, easing the financial burden on families during critical medical situations.

The city health workers underwent “3S in Public Service” training, which stands for Service, Smile, and Sincerity, to promote courteous and respectful care.

Health centers have also installed “Happy or Not” smiley devices to gather real-time patient feedback.

Gatchalian said that the city has now operated 10 fully functional lying-in clinics, up from seven, with two more under renovation. 

These include, five Sentro Health Hubs are being built in strategic barangays — Mabolo, Karuhatan, Canumay West, Lawang Bato, and Mapulang Lupa. 

These facilities will offer outpatient consultations, dental care, maternal services, minor surgeries, and laboratory tests daily, including weekends and holidays.

One of the major milestones is the ongoing construction of the P772-million Valenzuela Health Ambulatory and Surgical Center. 

This 16,000-square-meter facility will provide advanced ambulatory services such as radiology, chemotherapy, physical therapy, and minor operations. Phase 1 is expected to open in June 2026, while Phase 2 — which will include a 100-bed Level 1 hospital — will begin construction in July 2026, in partnership with AC Health.

The city’s mobile health services continue to reach public school students through roving medical and dental vans that offer free check ups, medicines, and eyeglasses to selected children.

In addition, more than 600 Barangay Health Workers have received the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) certification under the WES-UP program, enhancing the quality of community-level healthcare.

“Health care na hindi hassle, serbisyo na walang kaba, ganyan sa Valenzuela (Hassle-free health care and worry-free service, that’s what Valenzuela is all about),” the mayor said. 

He concluded by reaffirming that the city’s progress will always be anchored in services that are inclusive, dignified, and truly felt by every Pamilyang Valenzuelano.