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CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH)-7 has impressed Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa for its innovative health services programs in Central Visayas.
Herbosa was in Cebu the other day to visit the DOH-run hospitals and other health facilities here.
The visit was intended to evaluate the current health status and gathering firsthand insights on the issues and concerns from field personnel. It also marked a significant milestone in aligning regional initiatives with the 8-point Action Agenda in ensuring a focus on national priorities for a Healthy Pilipinas.
Herbosa commended DOH Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOHCVCHD) headed by Director Jaime S. Bernadas and Assistant Regional Director Sophia M. Mancao.
The health secretary particularly pointed out the role of its subnational blood center in ensuring safety, adequate, and rational utilization of blood and its derivatives. Since its establishment in 2019, the said facility has emerged as the lead licensed blood service facility in the entire Visayas Region.
With the support of dedicated blood donors and partners, the facility collected a remarkable total of 22,000 blood units in the first two quarters of this year. The ample supply of blood has the potential to save the lives of thousands and extend assistance to regions across the country in need of it.
The center also contributes significantly to HIV status monitoring and its prompt treatment.
Herbosa was most impressed with the innovative healthcare practices and systems, including the Central Visayas Electronic Health Referral System (CVEHRS).
Established in collaboration with hospitals and health facilities in the region, CVEHRS ensures the functionality and efficiency of referral mechanisms in all cities and provinces throughout Central Visayas.
“I am very much impressed with the Electronic Referral System of Region 7…It contributes to one of our health sector goals, the stronger health systems. This pertains to a proactive health system that anticipates and responds to health needs and crises, emphasizing patient satisfaction and positive overall experiences. Through this pioneering innovative system, our primary and healthcare provider networks can stay informed, notified, and determine the readiness of facilities and hospitals to accept the referral patient,” Herbosa said.
Herbosa also made a quick inspection of the DOHCV CHD Compound under construction in South Road Properties in Mambaling, Cebu City, which is set to be the new home for the DOH CV CHD workforce as well as the Cebu City Medical Center, among others.
Herbosa also had a dialogue with the health workers here to emphasize the 8-point Action Agenda as the pillars of achieving Universal Health Care.
This includes safe, quality and caring services; technology for quick healthcare services; crisis preparedness; disease prevention; emotional and mental health; rights and welfare of healthcare workers and protection against pandemic. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol, The Freeman (CEBU NEWS)
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