PRESS RELEASE
03 JUNE 2023
CUA URGES LGUS TO 'CHIP IN' FOR REGIONAL SPECIALTY CENTERS
Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines president and Quirino governor Dax Cua raised the possibility of local government units "chipping in" to help the implementation of a measure that establishes regional specialty centers across the country.
"With the added funds from the Mandanas-Garcia ruling and devolution of health services, maybe LGUs per region can chip in for supplemental funding for our future regional specialty centers," Cua said.
Both the House of Representatives and Senate have approved on third and final reading their versions of a bill creating specialized care centers in hospitals under the supervision and control of the Department of Health (DoH).
The measure mandates the DOH to establish these centers in select hospitals under its supervision and control, with at least one center to be set up in every region within five years from the enactment of the bill.
Cua hailed the measure's impending enactment, as he said that people from outside Metro Manila have had to troop to Metro Manila-based specialty centers for specialized treatment only to not be accommodated because of high demand.
"Access to specialized care has long been a problem, so we from the provinces are thankful that Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has identified this as an issue needing priority legislation," said the governor.
Cua said that he will seek a dialogue to see if it would be possible for LGUs to contribute to the funding of the specialty centers.
"The more funds the better," he said.
He added that as early as now LGUs should establish a system that would enable easier access for their constituents in these centers.
"Maglatag na tayo ng support system para sa mga kababayan natin para masiguro na maayos at tuloy-tuloy ang serbisyo para sa kanila," said Cua.
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