KALIBO, Aklan -- Both provincial and local officials said now is the perfect time for Kalibo to have its own primary care hospital.

Vice Governor Reynaldo Quimpo said based on Provincial Government records, majority of those who sought financial assistance were residents of Kalibo.

“Majority of those who also sought help for medical treatment at the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbukon Memorial Hospital came from poor residents of Kalibo mainly because of their proximity to the said provincial hospital,” said Quimpo during their political rally Monday night, May 6.

Primary care is defined as the day-to-day healthcare given by a health care provider. Typically, this provider acts as the first contact and principal point of continuing care for patients within a healthcare system, and coordinates other specialist care that the patient may need.

Recently, the local government of Kalibo inaugurated its laying in and birthing clinic. Its operation is expected to start anytime soon.

If Kalibo will have its own primary hospital, this would decongest the crowd at the already crowded provincial hospital. More health funds will also be made available, utilizing the budget of the local government.

Councilor Cynthia Dela Cruz said the local government of Kalibo could also earn a revenue of around P80 million from Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

“Recently, the Duterte administration has enacted the universal health care law and that a primary health care of Kalibo would take advantage from the said government programs,” said Dela Cruz.

Through the universal health care law, poor residents could avail themselves of a zero billing from the medical services of a government hospital. The expenses incurred would be shouldered by the PhilHealth to be released to any government hospitals.

Ketchie Luces, a kagawad of Barangay Andagao, also supports the call. (SunStar Philippines)