Turning crisis into a catalyst for innovation: Strengthening primary care services in La Union

We came together for Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF)’s Bayang Malusog Community of Practice, uniting nine areas: Aklan, Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Biliran, La Union, Laguna, Northern Samar, and Quezon. Fostering collective learning to drive forward Universal Health Care (UHC) and a healthier future for all Filipinos, let us look into the story of La Union.

The province of La Union is actively seeking to accomplish a visionary framework- one that envisions not just a healthy La Union, but a happy one too. The province’s transformative health framework focuses on the improvement of integrated health service delivery, aligned with the principles of Universal Health Care (UHC).

Building a Resilient Health Care Provider Network 

Lessons from the pandemic became the catalyst for innovation in La Union. A step-down care process was implemented, relieving pressure on overwhelmed facilities and ensuring that resources were allocated efficiently. This preparatory phase set the stage for La Union’s designation as a UHC implementation site, marking a significant milestone in the healthcare journey of the province. This led to the formation of the current Health Care Provider Network (HCPN), allowing for a more resilient and interconnected healthcare system. Formalized agreements with healthcare facilities have been established to facilitate step-down care and complementation of health services.

Digital Transformation in Health Services

The province has leveraged lessons learned from the pandemic to enhance patient monitoring and health service delivery. This has driven the adoption of digital technologies across health facilities, enabling paperless consultations and improving the accuracy of patient data. Additionally, advancements in monitoring and data collection tools have been implemented. Notable examples include the two-way health referral forms, which track both incoming and outgoing referrals, and the patient satisfaction form, designed to refine healthcare delivery within the province.

Strengthening Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

Collaboration also emerged as an important factor, with various stakeholders across the healthcare system coming together. Leveraging relationships with the private sector is instrumental in enhancing the referral and Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems, as well as improving Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN) services and adolescent health services in the province.

Municipal-Level Innovations: The Case of Bauang

These province-wide health system improvements were mirrored in the municipalities, such as in Bauang municipality where healthcare professionals now use a Windows-based platform. Patients also now use routing slips for diagnostic services, while prescription processes and access to laboratory test results are now fully digital. To support these efforts, Bauang trained its Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) to improve health workforce capacities that can provide basic patient profiling and health service to patients. 

Although challenges persist, La Union leaders are actively working to address them, leveraging partnerships and exploring innovative solutions to ensure everyone has access to healthcare services. Looking ahead, La Union is committed to further strengthen its healthcare infrastructure and enhance the capacity of its workforce. 

As La Union continues its journey towards a healthier future, its story serves as inspiration for communities far and wide, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, progress is possible. Through ongoing collaboration and a steadfast commitment to innovation, La Union is steadily going towards a healthier, happier future for all its residents.