The Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Bicol (DOH-CHD-5) and the provincial government of Albay will be working together to improve the healthcare services for the people after the province was included as one of the Universal Health Care Integration Sites (UHC IS) in the region.

In an interview on Thursday, Lorena Quising, Albay’s provincial information officer, said various interventions are being readied to ensure that the people of Albay have access to various services under Republic Act 11223, otherwise known as the Universal Health Care Act.

“As Albay is now recognized as UHC IS by DOH, the province can expect to receive enhanced healthcare services under the Universal Health Care Law. Financial grants to improve healthcare facilities and hospitals, capacity building, seminars and training for the healthcare personnel (will be readied for the province),” she said.

Quising said to ensure a productive collaboration, an annual UHC IS operational plan has been officially formalized through a signed Term of Partnership (ToP).

Meanwhile, Undersecretary of Health and concurrent DOH-CHD-5 Regional Director, Dr. Nestor Santiago Jr., emphasized the importance of having a functional health service provider network that includes the provincial hospitals.

“The role of the local government unit is very critical because most of the services are delivered by the local government units,” Santiago said in a statement.

There are currently 73 UHC IS in the country that have met the integration requirements.

In Bicol, aside from Albay, others are the provinces of Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Masbate.

These sites aim to showcase the successful implementation of UHC’s core principles, including equitable service delivery, access to essential health services, and financial risk protection at the local level. (PNA)