By William Agda
Residents of Barangay Gacepan in Sison, Surigao del Norte, benefited from a variety of health services during the launch of the PuroKalusugan program at the Gacepan Gymnasium on November 27, 2024. The event marked a significant step in delivering essential healthcare services to local communities.
PuroKalusugan, the Department of Health’s (DOH) newest primary care program, is designed to bring healthcare closer to underserved areas. The initiative is spearheaded by the Provincial Department of Health Office (PDOHO) of Surigao del Norte in collaboration with the Sison Primary Care Facility. The program is also aligned with Mayor Karissa R. Fetalvero-Paronia’s “Sison: 18K Service Karavan,” which aims to deliver not only healthcare but also other vital social services to every barangay in Sison.
Mayor Karissa welcomed residents to the event and underscored Sison’s dedication to health equity and inclusive governance. She highlighted the importance of initiatives like the PuroKalusugan program and the 18K Service Karavan in ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to essential services. Her remarks were followed by a message from Mr. Kevin Sam Dingding, DMO IV of PDOHO-SDN, who conveyed the DOH-CHD Caraga’s appreciation for Sison’s support of health programs. He explained the significance of PuroKalusugan in enhancing healthcare accessibility. Additionally, Mr. Christian Joy Lopez, HEPO II, provided an overview of DOH’s 8-Point Action Agenda and the goals of the PuroKalusugan program.
The launch was a collaborative effort that involved multiple government agencies, including the Provincial Health Office, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWD), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), PhilHealth, Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), Surigao Youth Convergence, and others. Together, these agencies addressed a wide range of community needs, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to public health and social services.
The PuroKalusugan sa Bagong Pilipinas program places a priority on reaching remote and underserved areas with vital health services, reinforcing the government’s commitment to health for all. The launch event served as a testament to the power of collaboration between local government units and national agencies in addressing the healthcare needs of communities.