THE Department of Health (DOH) and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) launched a collaborative free health care program for indigents on Saturday.
Titled “Simbakalusugan” — a combination of the Filipino words simbahan (church) and kalusugan (health) — the program was launched at Our Lady of the Pillar Catholic School in Imus, Cavite.
”Simbakalusugan gives importance to people. For those who are having a hard time accessing health services, it’s easier to access services here,” said Fr. Dan Cancino Jr., executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Health Care.
Free services include dental and physical checkups, HIV screening, medication, laboratory tests, x-rays for tuberculosis screening, and education on mental health, substance use and noncommunicable diseases.
The initiative was introduced during the National Hospital Chaplaincy Conference last year to strengthen ties between the church and the agency, ensuring health services reach remote communities.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the initiative “hits two birds with one stone,” as families who go to church can also avail themselves of free medical services.
”When families go to church, they come together, so then we can offer our services. They no longer have to spend money to go to the health center or the hospital,” Herbosa said in Filipino.
Cancino added that the program will be expanded to dioceses nationwide, including the Diocese of Imus, and areas in Rizal and Cebu City.
”In the coming weeks and months, the initiative will not end here at the Diocese of Imus,” Cancino said. “We will begin our collective efforts in different dioceses.”
