ILOILO – Residents classified as “underserved and hard-to-reach” will soon have better access to health services.
On June 30, the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 will turn over a mobile primary care facility to the Iloilo provincial government. This facility will be utilized by the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO).
The mobile primary care facility will include an x-ray machine, ultrasound machine, laboratory equipment, and other essential medical tools. These services will be made available to residents visited by the mobile unit.
“We aim to reach as many underserved and hard-to-reach residents as possible,” said Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quñon, the IPHO head.
The DOH-6 led by Regional Director Adriano Suba-an had already conducted orientation sessions for IPHO doctors, nurses and medical technologists on operating the mobile primary care facility.
Similar to the mobile dental van of the IPHO, which has assisted many individuals, the mobile primary care facility will augment the services provided by district hospitals by offering basic health services to patients or residents, said Quiñon.
“Some people find it challenging to visit our health facilities in town centers or hospitals. This initiative will significantly improve the delivery of health services to our communities,” Quiñon added.
Currently, the Iloilo provincial government and IPHO are processing the necessary documentary requirements for the formal turnover of the mobile primary care facility. These include a deed of donation signed by the DOH and the provincial government, represented by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., and a resolution passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan authorizing the governor to accept the donation and sign the memorandum of agreement./PN