Press Release | 5 June 2024

The Department of Health (DOH) held its 3rd National Health Sector Meeting (NHSM) on June 4, 2024, in Albay Province, with the theme “Accelerating Access to Health Towards the 8 Priority Health Outcomes.” The meeting highlighted significant strides in the country’s healthcare services, with focus on the establishment of more Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) centers and the launch of the DOH-led ‘PuroKalusugan’ program.

The BUCAS Centers provide essential urgent care and ambulatory services to communities, enhancing the accessibility and quality of healthcare nationwide. Since the first BUCAS Center was inaugurated on March 6, 2024, sixteen (16) BUCAS Centers are now fully functional as of June 3, 2024, strategically located to give the best primary care for the poorest Filipinos across the country.

In parallel with BUCAS centers providing primary care services, Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa also introduced the ‘PuroKalusugan’ program. PuroKalusugan aims to deliver public health services directly to puroks nationwide through the National Health Workforce Support System, under the supervision of the DOH’s Centers for Health Development (CHDs). The PuroKalusugan program will provide various primary health care services, including Maternal and Child Health; Immunization; Water, Sanitation and Hygiene; Nutrition; TB and HIV Control; and Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control programs.

“BUCAS Centers and PuroKalusugan are DOH-led and local community-supported health programs. They are the response of President Marcos Jr. to the need to fulfill the healthcare needs of every Filipino. We are dedicated to ensuring that no Filipino will be left behind in the journey towards Bagong Pilipinas kung saan Bawat Buhay Mahalaga,” expressed Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.