DOH V to conduct free check-up until Christmas
The Department of Health (DOH) announced on September 15, 2016 free medical checkup for 20 million Filipinos that are classified to be in the "poorest" section during National Health Summit held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
This is an early Christmas gift as a part of Duterte's administration universal health care program. The health department said that their target is within 100 days and it had started this September 15, 2016 and that would fall exactly on December 25, Christmas day.
Dr. Napoleon L. Arevalo, Regional Director of DOH V said that this basic checkup leads to early defection of illnesses that include malnourishment, deficiencies, renal problems and viruses. Arevalo is also open for possibilities that rural health centers in Albay would be modernized in terms of facilities, expertise and hospital personnel.
Health Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Ubial stated that the beneficiaries will be given other services, like breast examinations, digital rectal exams, cervical cancer screenings, and blood stool and urinalysis test and eye checkups.
"This is an early Christmas gift that not just a free checkup but also medications for people included in the poorest benefactors that is identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)", Ubial said.
The project was implemented in cooperation of local and international partners of DOH. She added that DOH wants these people to experience the "change" in health services and to be valued. Also, this is a way to transform and take charge of their own health and prevent serious illnesses.
DOH V is anticipating their goal in delivering medical services to the Bicolanos as well as developing health awareness of different common diseases.
