The Philippine Health Insurance Corp (PhilHealth) on Thursday rolled out its “Konsulta Package” under the Universal Health Care (UHC) law in Apayao province.

Dr. Dominga Gadgad, PhilHealth vice president for the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), urged residents to go to rural health units (RHU), which are the first providers of health services under the UHC.

The law mandates that all Filipinos receive health services and be PhilHealth members.

“Go to the RHU for your basic health needs and consultation. You will be checked there, undergo laboratory examinations if needed and be provided with medicines. The RHU doctor will refer you to the hospital if needed,” the official said.

“Avail of this service of the government under the UHC because this is aimed at preventing illnesses from progressing,” she added.

Luna Mayor Josephine Bangsil likewise urged her constituents to avail of the services provided by the government.

At least 300 residents from this town were profiled, registered, enrolled as PhilHealth members, and received basic check-ups.

A PhilHealth identification card and a Member Data Record (MDR) were issued to the attendees as official documents that they can show to avail of services.

Charlyn Tagabing, Department of Health Apayao Provincial Office team leader, in an interview on the sidelines of the launching, said nurses were deployed to assist in the implementation of the program in Apayao.

The RHUs also have medical technologists, dentists, and midwives.

“The seven RHUs at the seven municipalities have medical doctors with one provided under the Doctors to the Barrio program of the Department of Health,” she said.

“Kumpleto po tayo ng mga manpower sa RHU na magbibigay ng serbisyo para sa mga mamamayan (we have the complete manpower complement to provide the services to our people), ” Tagabing said. (PNA)