South Cotabato- The provincial government of South Cotabato is ramping up its efforts to improve healthcare services for its residents, prioritizing both accessibility and quality of care amid growing public health challenges.
Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. announced that the province is allocating a significant portion of its budget to expand healthcare infrastructure and hire additional medical personnel in hospitals and Dialysis Centers . This move is part of a larger initiative aimed at addressing the gaps in health services, particularly in remote and underserved communities.
One of the focal points of the healthcare strategy is the improvement of public hospitals, including the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City, which will undergo upgrades to increase its capacity and offer more specialized services.
“Inaalam namin na ang pangangalaga sa kalusugan ay isang karapatan, hindi isang pribilehiyo. Ang aming layunin ay tiyaking ang bawat South Cotabateño ay may access sa mga serbisyong medikal na kailangan nila, nakatira man sila sa lungsod o sa mga malalayong na lugar,” Governor Tamayo said during a press briefing.
Health programs targeting specific issues such as maternal and child health, nutrition, and disease prevention have also been expanded. The province is working closely with the Department of Health (DOH) to increase vaccination drives and health education programs to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, especially in vulnerable populations.
The local government is also promoting partnerships with private healthcare providers to bring in more specialized services and to decongest public hospitals. These partnerships aim to create a more comprehensive healthcare network across the province.
As the province of South Cotabato continues to grow, so does the demand for better healthcare services. With this renewed focus on health, local officials hope to ensure the well-being of all residents and to set a model for other province to follow in prioritizing healthcare.
