More than 500 residents received free medical services on Saturday, August 30, as the city government launched its new health initiative, “PuroKalusugan."

Mayor Jeannie Sandoval led the rollout at St. Gregory Homes in Barangay Panghulo, stressing that the program aims to make preventive and essential health care more accessible to Malabueños, especially those in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

“Ang programa pong ito ay ating inilunsad bilang pagtupad sa ating pangako na mas ilapit ang mga inisyatibo ng pamahalaang lungsod sa lahat ng Malabueno, ano man ang komunidad o sektor (We launched this program in fulfillment of our promise to bring the city government's initiatives closer to all Malabuenos, regardless of community or sector),” Sandoval said.

The city’s health department, in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), provided services such as medical and dental consultations, vital signs monitoring, x-rays, free medicines, family planning, HIV and HPV screening, cancer prevention programs, and anti-rabies vaccinations for pets.

After the launch, the initiative was also brought to ARTEX Compound, extending coverage to more families.

According to the City Health Department, PuroKalusugan will focus on eight priority outcomes: complete child immunization, improved nutrition to prevent stunting, stronger sanitation programs, reduced maternal deaths, zero tuberculosis mortality, fewer road accidents, better management of hypertension and diabetes, and broader access to cancer screening and treatment.

Sandoval said the program complements the city’s “Mobile Jeannie Services,” which began in July to deliver various services to barangays, including mobile laundry, water stations, and showers, along with SSS transactions, fire safety seminars, and disaster preparedness drills.

City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete said the timing of the rollout was crucial, citing the health risks associated with the rainy season.

“Ito po ay isang mahalagang hakbang sa layuning mapanatiling ligtas ang ating mga kababayan mula sa ano mang sakit kasabay ng maulan na panahon,” Rosete said, adding that the initiative affirms the mayor’s commitment that “walang maiiwan sa ating patuloy na pag-ahon ("This is an important step in the goal of keeping our countrymen safe from any disease during the rainy season," Rosete said, adding that the initiative affirms the mayor's commitment that "no one will be left behind in our continued recovery),” he said.