Photo credit: PCO

In a recent video message, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. revealed that 131 specialty centers have been established across the country by the end of December 2023. With an allocation of PhP11.12 billion this year, the government aims to enhance healthcare services by setting up additional specialty centers in various regions.

This follows the signing of Republic Act No. 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, on August 24, 2023. This legislation designates the Department of Health (DOH) to create specialty centers in hospitals nationwide, with a focus on crucial areas such as cancer care, cardiovascular care, lung care, renal care and kidney transplant, brain and spine care, trauma care, and burn care.

President Marcos emphasized the significance of the specialty centers, which also prioritize services in orthopedic care, physical rehabilitation medicine, infectious disease and tropical medicine, toxicology, mental health, geriatric care, neonatal care, dermatology, eye care, and ear, nose, and throat care.

The President also shared that the Doctors to the Barangays program has reached a remarkable milestone. Currently, 91 percent of municipalities have medical doctors assigned to oversee the health of residents. Originally established in the 1990s, the program has expanded to cover 204 out of 218 municipalities.

President Marcos affirmed the program's importance, stating, "This program continues to be vital, ensuring that we are truly monitoring the health of our citizens." The initiative was initially created to address the shortage of medical professionals in municipalities, reflecting the administration's commitment to accessible and comprehensive healthcare for all.