PIA Press Release
Friday, January 27, 2012

Bulacan town offers 24-hour medical care

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan, Jan. 27 (PIA) -- Residents of Balagtas town have been receiving a medical service that “never sleeps” with the 24 hour-operation of their lying-in clinic and continued benefits from PhilHealth.

Municipal health officer Dr. Genivelle Galvez said the town’s rural health unit (RHU), particularly the lying-in clinic, is always ready to give medical attention to pregnant mothers, post-natal care, free laboratory test, medical and dental check-up.

With two doctors and dentists on standby, Balagtas-RHU also gives vaccination among children, orientations on family planning and vasectomy, blood donation, tuberculosis program and dengue prevention.

“The lying-in of Balagtas gives a health service that never sleeps and provides 24-hour medical attention,” said Rolly Dañes, municipal information officer.

Dañes said Mayor Romy Castro provided thousands of PhilHealth insurance cards to needy families for them to experience composure during times of medical troubles.

According to Mary Carmen, chief of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), 1,296 indigent families had already received the insurance cards.

Aside from provision of PhilHealth insurance, Balagtas town also gives financial assistance to its deprived citizens who need to pay hospital bills and to bereaved families.

“Ever since I received free PhilHealth from Mayor Romy, my anxieties on getting sick were lessened so I am really thankful,” said Agripina Kempis, a card recipient.

Senior citizens also received discount cards from MSWDO to avail of reduced prices on medicine, food, public utility vehicles and medical treatment. Single parents received capital assistance to help them in starting their own livelihood businesses.

“Mayor Castro wants the citizens to feel the care of the municipal government that’s why he personally goes to the barangays to know the situation and primary needs of the residents,” said Dañes.

Meanwhile, rehabilitation of 14 day care centers in Balagtas is ongoing after they were accredited to Level 2 by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. (CLJD/JMG/PIA-3)