Senator Alan Peter Cayetano filed a bill seeking to establish 24/7 Super Health Centers in every city and municipality in the country.
Refiled in the current Congress, the proposed “Super Health Centers in All Cities and Municipalities Act” (Senate Bill No. 420), aims to strengthen the country’s primary health care system and ensure that no Filipino is left behind when it comes to accessing basic medical services.
“All Filipinos deserve the best social services.”
“All Filipinos deserve the best social services. That starts with having access to health care that is both immediate and within reach,” Cayetano said.
The bill requires every city and municipality to establish at least one Super Health Center within its area. These centers will serve individuals needing outpatient care or suffering from low-risk and uncomplicated medical conditions.
Open 24/7, the facilities are expected to help decongest hospitals by providing immediate and accessible services right within communities.
“I haven’t seen a shift or a game-changer in the way we look at our health system.
Hospitals are overwhelmed with patients everyday… Hopefully, this will ease that burden and help our existing health centers and hospitals,” the veteran legislator said.
“Taguig is proof that it works.”
The seasoned lawmaker cited as a successful model the City of Taguig, which currently operates three Super Health Centers that are open round-the-clock. These are staffed by licensed doctors, nurses, and midwives and offer a wide range of services.
“Taguig is proof that it works. Kung kaya sa Taguig, we should do it in all our cities and municipalities,” the seasoned lawmaker stressed.
Under the bill, each Super Health Center must be equipped with proper medical facilities and accessible spaces, especially for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
They must also stock commonly used generic medicines and vaccines and adopt secure systems to store and protect patient health records.
The Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), is tasked with issuing guidelines for the implementation of the law and providing technical support to local governments. All services provided by the Super Health Centers must be accredited by PhilHealth to ensure coverage and affordability.
The bill also prioritizes the hiring of existing barangay health workers who have long served their communities.
The senator emphasized that health care should be practical, science-based, and accessible to all, regardless of where it is in the country.
“We want to make sure that no Filipino is left behind when it comes to health care. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health must actually be realized for the benefit of every Filipino,” he concluded.
