Ten district health centers get license as primary health care facilities
Ten of the city’s 16 district health centers have been issued licenses to operate as primary health care facilities (PCFs) by the Department of Health in compliance with the requirements of Republic Act (RA) No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act.
The district health centers of Asin headed by Medical Officer Dr. Anna Marie Banta; Atab under Dr. Carla Tabin; Atok Trail under Dr. Catherine Posadas; City Camp under Dr. Nelson Hora; Engineers Hill under Dr. Helen Colewan; Irisan under Dr. Vanessa Fagcangan; Lucban under Dr. Maria Lourdes Pakoy; Pacdal under Dr. Edna Tabooy; Pinsao under Dr. Elvira Belingon; and Quirino Hill under Dr. Marie Therese Sumbillo received their licenses from DOH Cordillera led by Regional Director Dr. Rio Magpantay, Licensing, Regulation and Enforcement Division Chief Dr. Virginia Narciso and DOH Baguio City Office DMO Jennifer Valenzuela during the City Hall flag-raising rites April 4.
As licensed PCFs, the health centers are now authorized to deliver initial-contact, accessible, continuous, comprehensive and coordinated care to the communities they serve.
They are also accredited as “Konsulta” package provider by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and can now render individual-based health services including initial and follow-up primary care consultations, health screening and assessment and access to selected diagnostic services and medicines.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong lauded the City Health Service Office under Dr. Rowena Galpo for their diligence in keeping the city’s public health care system responsive to the needs of the constituents.
He said the konsulta package is a relevant health program considering the challenge posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and other illnesses.
The facilities satisfied the requirements set forth under DOH Administrative Order No. 2020-0047 or the Rules and Regulations Governing the Licensure of Primary Care Facilities in the Philippines in compliance with Section 27 of the UHC Act which mandates the DOH to “institute a licensing and regulatory system for stand-alone health facilities including those providing ambulatory and primary care services and other modes of health service provision.The PCF regulation is part of the UHC Act’s goal to ensure that only safe and quality primary care services are being delivered to every Filipino. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
