The Mountain Province Health Board is strengthening efforts to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA), by maximizing available resources and setting clearer standards across health facilities.
“We want to make sure that the resources we have, no matter how minimal they are, are properly utilized for the benefit of our people, especially those from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas,” Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr. said Tuesday, September 22.
During its meeting Monday, the Health Board approved three resolutions covering the use of the province’s mobile clinic, the adoption of national clinical practice guidelines, and improved procurement and management of medicines and health supplies.
Mobile clinic to bring services closer
One resolution sets guidelines for the provincial mobile clinic, which will support medical, dental and surgical missions, public health programs, emergency response, health screening, and vaccination campaigns.
The guidelines cover requests, approval, deployment, operation and maintenance, as well as fuel, safety, sanitation, reporting and accountability. The use of the mobile clinic for private, political, commercial, or other unauthorized activities is prohibited.
Consistent standards for patient care
The board also approved a province-wide approach to help ensure consistent and quality care across health facilities.
The Provincial Health Office will maintain an updated compendium of clinical practice guidelines and case management protocols and share these with licensed health professionals and facilities.
Primary care facilities are expected to follow applicable national guidelines when making clinical decisions, referring patients and ensuring continuity of care, in line with the Universal Health Care Law.
Strengthening medicine and supply management
The third resolution focuses on improving the procurement and supply chain management of medicines, medical supplies, equipment, and other health commodities.
The measure aims to ensure essential resources are available when needed while promoting proper use and accountability.
Lacwasan said the measures seek to strengthen health services, standardize practices, and improve coordination across the province-wide health system.
“It is not just ensuring that services reach the people, but proper care is extended and logistics are available to complete the delivery of health to our people,” he said.
