Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna vowed to take action after a resident complained that a health center staff member asked for a donation in exchange for medical help as she also expressed gratitude to the resident for reporting the incident and urged others to report similar concerns to her or her office at City Hall.

“That’s not allowed. No donations,” Lacuna said. “Our duty is clear. I don’t tolerate this. We can’t monitor them all the time, but because you reported it, we have proof to address the problem. If we need to replace people there, we will.”

Lacuna reiterated that the city’s 44 health centers across six districts provide free primary health care services. She and Manila Health Department chief Dr. Arnold Pangan continue to encourage barangay officials to promote these services to their constituents.

The health centers offer services including clinical laboratories, ECGs and ultrasounds for pregnant women, and free consultations and medications such as metformin and losartan. New services include laboratories, X-rays, ultrasounds and ECGs.

Lacuna said appointments are not required for consultations, and the health centers are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. While walk-ins are welcome, online appointments are also accommodated to create patient files for future use and faster processing.

Lacuna, a doctor, stressed the importance of preventive care and urged residents to utilize the health centers.

“Prevention is always better than cure. Support our health centers. Have your children, grandchildren, or pets vaccinated,” said Lacuna.

“Avoid overcrowding hospitals if the health center can address your problem,” she added.

Lacuna also said that health centers will refer patients to the nearest hospital when necessary.