Public consultation on Universal Health Care to kick off in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY –– A public consultation on the Universal Health Care (UHC), including the draft Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), would kick off in Bicol on July 4 and 5, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

Dr. Ernie Vera, acting director of DOH in Bicol, said the UHC IRR public hearings would be held on July 4 in Sorsogon and July 5 in Masbate.

The public hearing was expected to be attended by the provincial governors, town and city mayors, stakeholders in the 36 towns and cities in Sorsogon and Masbate.

DOH-Bicol officials would orient and consult local officials and the public on the UHC-IRR.

Vera said the remaining four provinces and cities were still being scheduled for the next endorsement.

Salient features to be brought out during the consultation meeting include UHC benefits, access to quality and affordable health care, primary health care focused on the health system, financing, service delivery, and local health system, regulations.

The DOH also plans to hold larger consultations in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Mar S. Arguelles