DOH Bicol steps up drive to achieve universal health care

The Department of Health (DOH) regional office here took the front line in the advocacy for health as one of the key strategies for inclusive growth in Bicol region during a press conference held last week in observance of the Policy Development Research Month (PDRM) in September. DOH Bicol Support to Operations chief Dr. Virgilio Ludovice told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that the Kalusugan Pangkalahatan (universal health care) advocacy of the Aquino Government typifies and respond to the health needs of every Filipino especially poor families in the countryside. Ludovice, together with Dr. Veronica Mateum, Philhealth Health Care Delivery Management Division Chief,, Jasmine Zantua, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Chief Economic Development Specialist and Felipe Salvosa II, Publications and Circulation Division Chief of the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS), composed the panel for the press conference attended by the leading print and broadcast journalists of Albay and correspondents of national dailies. Philhealth Bicol Field Operations Division chief David Escandor has also assured members who are using the new case rate under the sponsored program will benefit free services from their accredited public hospitals and lying-in clinics.