THE Department of Health (DOH) has declared Pampanga as malaria-free and recognized the provincial government for its excellence in providing health programs to Kapampangans.
Pampanga received P1 million from the DOH as cash incentive for being free from malaria.
According to the DOH, the province is now included among the provinces in the country without any case of malaria.
The recognition was given during the 7th Central Luzon Excellence Awards for Health (CLEXAH) the other day by the DOH Central Luzon regional office.
DOH Regional Director Cesar Cassion and the selection board also cited Pampanga as Best Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) for its outstanding support, commitment and excellent performance in the implementation of Philippine Health Agenda.
The excellence awards were personally received by Second District Board Member Anthony Joseph Torres, Provincial Health Officer Marcelo Jaochico, Dr. Imelda “Ming” Ignacio, Jolly Garcia, and Katrina Zapanta, among others.
Other awards and awardees from Pampanga include Best LGU Health Office Sanitation Initiative and local government units with Outstanding Contribution in the Attainment of Blood Adequacy in Central Luzon were given to the City of San Fernando; Mabalacat City got Pulang Laso Excellence Award (Best Local Government Unit for Local Response Service Delivery, And Outreach Services) and Scaling-Up Public Health Intervention for MDGS; Porac also received award for Scaling-Up Public Health Intervention for MDGS and the Municipality of Minalin received awards for Efficient Health Sector Spending. (PR)