The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pangasinan through Governor Amado I. Espino III has entered into a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Health (DOH) represented by Dr. Paula Paz N. Sydiongco, the director of Center for Health Development, and Philhealth Regional Vice President Dennis B. Adre on April 1, for the implementation of universal health care integration.

As stated by Provincial Health Officer Anna Maria Teresa De Guzman, the MOU was formulated based on the provisions of the Universal Health Care Law or Republic Act No. 11223 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

RA 11223 mandates structural and functional changes in health financing, service delivery, and governance. Hence, the law aims to address the issues of the country’s fragmented health system through the establishment of province or city-wide health systems as it seeks to progressively realize universal health care through a systemic approach and clear delineation of roles of key agencies and stakeholders.

In addition, the law seeks to ensure that people are guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable health care goods and services, and protected against financial risk.

Right after the MOU signing Gov. Espino personally received the donation from the DOH to include 10 wheelchairs and five medicine cabinets intended to be utilized at the Pangasian Provincial Hospital in Bolingit, San Carlos City.

/Ruby R. Bernardino