Aquino prioritizes quality health care for the poor
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday said one of his administration’s top priorities in creating an equitable society is for every Filipino, especially the indigents and marginalized sectors, to be able to access quality health care.
“Closing the health gap among our people is a matter of top priority, especially if we are to succeed in building a genuinely free, fair and equitable society. We want our countrymen, particularly the poor, to be able to access medical care services, whenever and wherever they need it,” the President stressed in his message at the inauguration of the upgraded facilities of the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City.
Among the measures his administration is putting in place so the poor can access quality healthcare is the expansion of the coverage of the National Health Insurance Program to about 4.6 million indigent Filipino families in three years or less.
The Chief Executive added that he is also giving priority to the improvement of government health facilities and hospitals, where the poor can access sufficient medical care.
The Department of Health’s 2011 budget increase of 13.6 percent, according to the President, will be allocated to government hospitals, rural health units, and health centers for acquisition of functional equipment and competent health workers.
Moreover, the President said reforming the PhilHealth system is on going so as to increase the percentage of medical fees that will be shouldered by PhilHealth but in a way that does not compromise its financial viability.
He added that reforming the PhilHealth will not only save thousands of families from disease and illness, but will also keep them afloat during times of economic difficulties.
“At the bottom line, we are in the business of saving lives,” the President said.
People empowerment, he said, means allowing the people to lead healthy and productive lives which means requiring hospitals to meet their medical demands.
“You are our partners in nation-building. In order to protect the community from the threat of disease and illness, our doctors, nurses and staff must be imbued with the skills to ensure the welfare of the patients they serve. It means making sure that, as our medical professionals are among the most committed in the world, so should our medical institutions be,” the President stressed.
He congratulated the EAMC for its significant feats and continuous efforts to deliver quality health care—from the upgraded facilities such as the Radiology Department, Birthing Center, Central Sterilization Unit, and the Tahan-Tahanan.
“It is my fervent hope that you will continue to help us as we fulfill our pledge to ease the burden caused by poverty. As we make certain that darkness does not eclipse this newfound daylight again, may we all stay on the straight and righteous path toward progress. Let us continue to stand under the banner of solidarity, and make sure that the Filipinos get the best medical service, and the quality of life they rightfully deserve,” the President ended. (PCOO)
Aquino opens upgraded facilities of East Avenue Medical Center to the public
In an effort to make every Filipino healthy and free from illness, President Benigno S. Aquino III on Valentine’s Day inaugurated the upgraded facilities of the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City.
The President, accompanied by Health Secretary Enrique Ona inspected the EAMC’s Radiology Department with its upgraded radiologic imaging equipment.
At present, there are two brand new x-ray machines where fluoroscopy in real time can be accomplished.
The Department also has new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit so patients who have to undergo MRI no longer has to be referred to other institutions.
The President also toured the new Birthing Center which was partly funded through the contributions from the different nursing schools affiliated with EAMC.
The Birthing Center, according to EAMC Medical Director Dr. Roland Cortez, is the hospital’s substantive contribution to government’s efforts in reducing maternal and infant mortality as envisioned in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
The Chief Executive likewise inspected the Central Sterilization Unit at the hospital’s basement where a newly installed Matachana Series SC 500 sterilizer is located. The CSU will reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections with its centralized sterilization, inspection, packing, disinfection, storage and distribution carried out by specialized and experienced personnel.
Later, the President proceeded to the Tahan-Tahanan, the first of its kind in the world, which is a half-way home for cancer-stricken children from the provinces. The cancer patient can temporarily stay here with a family member or caregiver while undergoing treatment in Metro Manila hospitals.
At the Tahan-Tahanan, the patients are provided with free board and lodging coupled with a comprehensive enrichment program such as home-study, arts and crafts, sports, music, theater, dance and skills training for parents and caregivers.
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office provided the financial assistance for the infrastructure and operations of the Tahan-Tahanan. (PCOO)
