The province of Bohol has made strides towards the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) law.
The provincial government prepares for the needed requirements. The requirements include a contract that will define the responsibilities of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) and other government agencies in order to deliver better health services for Boholanos.
In line with this, Vice Governor Rene Relampagos and the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Bohol has authorized Gov. Arthur Yap, through a resolution, to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth for the implementation of the Universal Health Care law.
Dr. Elpidio Bonita, chairman of the Committee on Health, explained that a contract needs to be signed between the PGBh, DOH and PhilHealth is needed for the rollout of the UHC loa.
Bonita further said that the signing of the MOU by the parties is urgently needed in order to ensure that Bohol will be included as one among the areas for the initial UHC rollout.
According to Dr. Cesar Tomas Lopez, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Health Office, the DOH will provide technical advice and guidance in using all available means for attaining good health service delivery under the rollout of the UHC law.
The PGBh will be the implementor of the UHC rollout, Lopez added.
On the other hand, PhilHealth will be the financial arm of the rollout, Lopez said.
Meanwhile, Vice Governor Relampagos is fully supportive of the said health care programs that are all for the welfare and benefit of the people of Bohol.
Relampagos is optimistic that this program would strengthen further the various health care services in Bohol.
In February 2019, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the UHC into law, ushering in massive reforms in the Philippine health sector.