The Department of Health – Davao Center for Health Development (DOH-DCHD) continues to strengthen healthcare services in Davao Oriental through the turnover of nine ambulances and the inauguration of two Super Health Centers.
Ambulance Turnover
In a ceremony held recently, nine land ambulances were officially handed over to the municipalities and cities of Boston, Cateel, Baganga, Caraga, Manay, Tarragona, Mati City, Lupon, and San Isidro. DOH-DCHD Assistant Regional Director Dr. David Mendoza, Provincial DOH Office representative Dr. Grace Beguia, and Health Facility Enhancement Program Engineer Divine Sonido led the event, with Senator Christopher “Bong” Go lending his personal support.
The ambulances will serve as vital tools in delivering responsive and high-quality healthcare services, particularly to residents in remote communities. These vehicles aim to improve emergency response times and ensure that underserved areas receive timely medical care.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to bringing healthcare services closer to the people, especially in hard-to-reach communities,” said Dr. Mendoza during the event.
Super Health Centers in Lupon
On the same mission to improve healthcare access, the DOH-DCHD also turned over two Super Health Centers in Lupon, Davao Oriental, located in Barangay Calapagan and the town center. The centers were formally inaugurated in December 2023 as part of the agency’s efforts under the Universal Health Care Act, which ensures affordable and quality health services for all Filipinos.
Senator Bong Go, the principal author of Senate Bill No. 304 establishing Super Health Centers nationwide, attended the ceremony. “These centers are designed to bring essential health services closer to the people, especially those in rural areas,” Senator Go stated.
The Super Health Centers function as enhanced versions of rural health units and medium-scale polyclinics. They are equipped with laboratory facilities, a pharmacy, birthing services, outpatient and dental departments, comprehensive PhilHealth outpatient services, and other minor healthcare services.
Local government officials and health officers in Lupon expressed their gratitude for these developments, noting their significant impact on improving healthcare delivery.
Collaborative Efforts for Better Healthcare
The back-to-back initiatives reflect the strong collaboration between the DOH, local government units, and national leaders in ensuring equitable access to health services. Both the ambulances and the Super Health Centers aim to enhance healthcare infrastructure, reduce disparities in service delivery, and improve health outcomes across Davao Oriental.
These milestones mark another step forward in the government’s commitment to universal health coverage, bringing hope and better health services to the people of the province.