DOH specialty centers expand access to specialized care

The Department of Health (DOH) has expanded its specialty centers nationwide to cater to patients in their respective areas.

The DOH said there is no need for those who need medical attention to travel to Metro Manila because of the presence of specialty centers equipped with high-technology equipment.

In line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to increase the number of specialty centers, the DOH said the number of centers has grown from 98 in 2022 to 208.

This year, the DOH continues the construction and opening of specialty centers in the provinces.

DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa’s marching order to specialty centers and health facilities is to make specialized healthcare accessible to every Filipino without requiring them to travel far from their provinces.

He is implementing the President's directive under the Regional Specialty Centers Act to establish and operationalize localized, high-quality medical facilities nationwide.

The key directives and goals for these facilities include:

• Expanding specialized care: Decentralizing complex medical treatments from central institutions, such as the Philippine General Hospital, to the regions. Priority specialties include cancer care, cardiovascular care, lung care, renal care and kidney transplants, brain and spine care, trauma care, and burn care.

• Massive network target: Operationalizing hundreds of specialty centers nationwide, with a target of up to 349 centers by the end of the President's term, to ensure that Filipinos do not need to travel to Metro Manila for specialized treatment.

• Addressing non-operational facilities: Working with local government units (LGUs) and the private sector to ensure these health centers have access to basic utilities, such as electricity and water, and are staffed by trained medical specialists and nurses.