Agusan del Sur Moves Forward with Universal Health Care
News
On November 29, 2024, the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) held the close-out ceremony for the fourth cycle of the Provincial Leadership and Governance Program (PLGP) in Agusan del Sur. The event, attended by Governor Santiago Cane Jr., Provincial Health Officer Dr. Jacqueline Momville, the Department of Health (DOH)-Caraga, and academic partner Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF), highlighted the province’s achievements in implementing Universal Health Care (UHC) since 2022.
Key programs and metrics under UHC, such as the Local Health System Maturity Level (LHS-ML), Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP), and Konsulta Registration and First Patient Encounter (FPE), were reviewed during the event.
Progress in UHC Implementation
Governor Cane celebrated the strides Agusan del Sur has made in strengthening its health systems. He shared, “We have worked tirelessly to improve our health systems, ensuring that every Agusanon has access to affordable and quality healthcare services.”
UHC LHS-ML has been a key measure of the province’s progress, guiding efforts to strengthen health services.
MLDP, a collaboration between the provincial government and municipal leaders, and supported by DMSF, played a key role in training mayors and Municipal Health Officers (MHOs) to enhance health governance. This training focused on leadership, resource management, and health system improvements, paving the way for more responsive healthcare in the province.
Konsulta Program Advances
The Konsulta program, which provides primary care services, was also highlighted. Thousands of families in Agusan del Sur are now registered, ensuring better access to preventive care. However, there is a need to speed up the program’s rollout to provide full financial protection for all residents.
Lessons and Next Steps
The close-out event served as a platform for reflection and planning. Dr. Jacqueline Momville stressed the importance of collaboration between the provincial government, DOH, and local leaders to sustain and expand progress. She noted, “The success of UHC is not just about implementation; it’s about creating a culture of health governance that empowers our local leaders and benefits every citizen.”
DOH-Caraga was commended for its technical assistance and guidance, which helped address challenges and achieve health milestones. Governor Cane urged the Provincial Health Office team to make full use of the 25% IRA allocation for health to strengthen UHC initiatives further.
Looking Ahead
While much has been achieved, more work is needed to realize UHC’s full potential in Agusan del Sur. The provincial government, with its partners, is committed to reaching every community with quality healthcare.
The close-out event celebrated the progress made through ZFF’s Health Change Model and set the foundation for continued improvements in the years to come.