1 week ago
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THE Pangasinan provincial government has achieved over 90 percent coverage for its innovative Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultation program, which provides the means for residents to conveniently register and avail of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.'s (PhilHealth) outpatient benefits.
The province said 90 percent of the 44 municipalities and three cities have been reached by the Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultation or Guiconsulta program equivalent to some 1.2 million residents registered.
The Department of Health last month recognized the Pangasinan provincial government as one of three national awardees for the Healthy Communities Awards 2024.
Pangasinan received a bronze award for meeting at least 50 percent of the required criteria, alongside Pasay City and Davao de Oro. The award assesses 12 key components, including potable water and food security, active transport and road safety, housing, essential health services, quality education, clean environments, income support and equitable health financing.
Gov. Ramon Guico III said the province's health programs align with its strategic goals.
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"We never aimed to win this prestigious award, it just aligned with our strategic plan and our programs for the province. We just did what we need to do," he said.
The Guiconsulta program, cited by PhilHealth, provides incentives for Pangasinan residents who register with the PhilHealth Konsulta without disruption to their livelihood.
Residents are either given a modest amount of money for fare or to cover their day's wages to enable them to register through the Guiconsulta. Many need to leave their work just to register and possibly lose a day's pay. Many also have to travel to urban centers to register.
To minimize inconvenience and disruption, the provincial government mobilized caravans to remote areas to bring the registration to the doorsteps of residents.
The program was launched in October 2024 upon the promulgation of Provincial Ordinance 330-2024 by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan where all of its members voted for the initiative.
Those registered with the PhilHealth Konsulta will be eligible to avail of medical consultation, health risk screening and assessment, selected laboratory and diagnostic tests, and selected medicines.
