BORONGAN CITY, November 13, 2019 (PIA)-- The Provincial Government of Eastern Samar spearheaded a Health Summit on November 7, 2019 at Jipapad Gymnasium, Jipapad, Eastern Samar, with a theme: Universal Health Care (UHC), Anhi na!

Simultaneous activities were held, like "Buntis Congress" and pre-natal health care and medical consultations with the elderly and Person with Disabilities (PWDs) with consultation, laboratory work up, and eye cataract screening.

Ms. Dalisay B. Cesista, Administrative Officer-V of the Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital (ESPH), said some 674 out patients had medical consultation, and given free medicines.

Some 154 elderly out patients had eye screening with free eye glasses, and 67 pregnant mothers had laboratory test such as sputum (TB), blood typing, urinalysis, blood glucose, and HIV/STD screening.

According to Dr. Marian Epifania R. Isiderio, provincial health officer said the Health Summit is one of the major activities in line with the week-long celebration of the 54th Founding Anniversary of the Province.

"The activity is a sample of the package of basic essential services that the leaders should ensure that these health care services are provided in the Rural Health Units (RHUs)free of charge," Isiderio further said.

Mayor Benjamin Ver of Jipapad, welcomed the guests and visitors and he thanked the Province of Eastern Samar through Governor Ben P. Evardone for bringing the health services to his municipality.

Governor Evardone also emphasized his priority program of the delivery of basic health services in his administration.

Congresswoman Ma. Fe R. Abunda in her message also said," I will support the health programs of the government specifically the Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) to increase their honorarium."

In the event, Dr. Minerva P. Molon, regional director of the Department of Health (DOH), Dr. Leo Douglas V. Cardona, Jr., of Philhealth and Dr. Catalino P. Dotollo. Jr., regional nutrition program coordinator, National Nutrition Council (NNC)-8 discussed the First 1000 days of Life.

After the program, the "New Eastern Samar Integrated Health System" was launched followed by the signing of the Pledge of Commitment/Support by Expanded Provincial Health Board and other stakeholders.

The said event is in partnership with DOH, Provincial Health Office (PHO), Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital (ESPH), PhilHealth, Philippine Medical Association (PMA), Malasakit Center, Association of Medical Health Officers of the Philippines, League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), and Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)