MisOcc leaders commit to ramp up efforts towards Universal Health Care

 

OROQUIETA, Misamis Occidental—The provincial government officials, local chief executives, and health professionals commit to integrate the province-wide health system to intensify the implementation of Universal Health Care (UHC) in Misamis Occidental.

In a concerted effort to address the evolving healthcare needs of its constituents, the Provincial Health Board convened its 1st meeting at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center on April 12, 2024.

The meeting aimed to discuss crucial matters to enhance the delivery of healthcare services in alignment with the standards prescribed by the Department of Health, particularly level 2 organizational maturity and level 3 functional maturity, as part of the implementation of the Universal Health Care System.

Chaired by Provincial Governor Henry S. Oaminal and Vice Chairman Provincial Health Officer Dr. Holly Tago, and attended by Dr. Sulpicio Henry Legaspi Jr., Director of the Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao, as well as officials, board members, mayors, doctors, and department heads of the province, the meeting addressed vital issues concerning healthcare accessibility and quality.

Governor Henry Oaminal emphasized the importance of accessible and high-quality healthcare for all residents, highlighting healthcare as not just a policy matter but a fundamental aspect of collective welfare. 

He reiterated the province's commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare services for every individual, irrespective of background or circumstances.

Director of the Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao Dr. Sulpicio Henry Legaspi Jr. underscored the significance of the agenda, stating that it would serve as the backbone of the health system delivery in Misamis Occidental. 

He commended the provincial government under the leadership of Governor Henry Oaminal for prioritizing health services, emphasizing that primary health care is key to UHC. He expressed optimism about the province's healthcare system development and commended Governor Oaminal's vision for the province.

One of the meeting's key highlights was the presentation of proposed policies to achieve 100% Organizational and Functional Maturity of the province-wide Health System of Misamis Occidental. These policies included a Memorandum of Agreement for Inter-LGU Cooperation, MOA with Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC), and Provincial Ordinance for the establishment and internationalization of the Province-Wide Health System (PWHS). Another important agenda was the approval of technical guidelines/manual on the implementation of the referral system, among others.

The meeting marked a crucial step towards improving the healthcare sector in the province and ensuring that all residents have access to high-quality healthcare services. (SN/PGMO)

Highlighted during the 1st Provincial Health Board (PHB) Meeting for the year 2024, presided over by Governor Henry S. Oaminal, were measures on strengthening healthcare in the province. (SN/PGMO)