The Department of Health (DOH) and all its attached agencies, together with other national government agencies, today joins the celebration of International Women’s Day, March 8, 2023, with the theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”.

The DOH is one with other government agencies in honoring women taking up space in the realm of public service. At present, 51 women constitute the Executive and Management Committee of the DOH Central Office, and the Centers for Health Development (CHDs), which comprises 72% of health leaders in the national and regional offices.  These numbers are a testament that women play a vital role in society, not only households, but more especially in the decision-making process of policy generation, research, and systems development.

Towards Universal Health Care, the DOH will continue to ensure continuity of maternal, vaccination, nutrition, and reproductive healthcare services for all women. Additionally, the Department will continue to provide and strengthen mental health services for women, and ensure that all settings enable women safety and empowerment.

Towards this, the DOH commits to continue working with all government agencies, the private sector, and stakeholders through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to strengthen existing programs and services, and put forward holistic delivery of healthcare services for women across the spectrum.

“The goal of employing a holistic approach is to promote collaborative governance in order to deliver the full range of quality healthcare services to all women in support of reaching their full potential. With this, the Department of Health will continue to advocate for the convergence of multiple healthcare services and harmonize plans for mothers, children, and all women in the society,” said OIC Secretary Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire.

“As a realization of Universal Health Care, the DOH is one with every Juana each step of the way. We will continue to advocate for primary care and specialty care, and ensure that our maternal and reproductive healthcare services are responsive to the needs of women in the community.  Truly, women indeed have significant roles, not only in the health sector, but across all fields of society.  I encourage every young Filipina to take on this challenge and join the roster of women of action in the society. Itaas natin ang antas ng pagtingin sa kababaihan sa ating bansa. Ating tandaan, tayo ay babae… hindi babae lang,”  added OIC Vergeire.