LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) in its regular session on September 4, approved a resolution authorizing Governor Ramon V. Guico III to enter into and sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Health (DOH)-Center for Health Development (CHD) 1 for the implementation of the 2023 Healthy Settings Program for Healthy Communities.
Sponsored by SP Member Shiela Marie F. Baniqued, the resolution stated that “in the implementation of the program, it is the objective of the Province of Pangasinan and the Department of Health to further improve and sustain an efficient and effective health care delivery system in the Province through health promotion initiatives designed to ensure that the environments wherein individuals live, learn and work are promotive and protective of health.”
As stated in the resolution, there are various minimum components which the law mandates in local health systems. These are as follows: primary care provider network with patient records accessible throughout the health system; accurate, sensitive, and timely epidemiologic surveillance systems; and proactive and effective health promotion programs and campaigns.
“Section 30 of Universal Health Care Act Implementing Rules and Regulations provides that local government units, guided by the Health Promotion Framework Strategy, shall issue and implement effective health promotion policies and programs that promote health literacy and healthy lifestyle among their constituents, prevent and control diseases and their risk factors to advance population health and individual well-being,” the resolution likewise stated.
RA 11223 or the Universal Health Care of 2019 mandates the implementation of health reform program that will ensure that every Filipino is guaranteed an equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare services and is protected against financial risks.
(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)
