By PR | 01:16 AM June 05, 2024
The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) turned over maintenance medicines for senior citizens on June 3 at the Capitol.
This initiative is part of the provincial government’s commitment to inclusive health services aligned with the Strategic Change Agenda under Gov. Aris Aumentado’s administration.
With this program, the vulnerable sector will benefit from free medical supplies and services through various Offices of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in each town.
Acting Gov. Dionisio Victor Balite thanked the National Commission on Senior Citizens (NCSC) headed by Chairperson and CEO, Atty. Franklin Quijano.
“Ang mga tambal nga madawat sa mga senior citizen federations gikan sa nagkalain-laing lungsod ug dakbayan sa atong probinsya maaoy usa ka simbolo sa atong mga paningkamot nga ma-atiman ang ilang mga panginahanglanon ug mapakita ang atong pagmahal diha kanila,” Balite said.
The program is under Executive Order No. 58, signed by Gov. Aris Aumentado in 2023, known as the “Revised Implementing Rules and Regulation of the Free Medical Assistance Program for Boholano Senior Citizens.”
The governor has always recognized the efforts and role of the elder sector who served in nation-building and living heritage in Bohol, the first and only UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines.
“Karon nga nahatagan na sila og higayon na i-enjoy ang ilang kinabuhi, angayan lamang nga ato silang atimanon ug i-siguro nga matagad dayon ang ilang mga gipamati pinaagi sa mga tambal nga i-turn-over karong adlawa,” said Balite.
Oral maintenance medicines given include hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and vitamins, with entitlements such as free consultations, issuance of certificates, and laboratory service for random sugar tests and CBC.
All of these benefits will be available to all hospitals and other health facilities owned by PGBh, including mobile clinics and rural health centers.
Qualified beneficiaries are required to present their Senior Citizens’ Card issued by the Local Government Unit (LGU) and they should be included in OSCA’s master list which is quarterly updated.
Meanwhile, Dr. Emerson Mateo, Capitol physician, discussed some common illnesses among the elderly and emphasized the signs, symptoms, and preventive measures to avoid the diseases.
The distribution of medical supplies will be delivered to the municipalities through the Provincial Health Office (PHO), with local government affairs assigned to schedule the distribution schedule, the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development for validation of the senior citizens’ list, with OSCA providing the updated list.
Dr. Cesar Thomas Lopez, PHO-OIC, welcomed OSCA presidents and attendees from the 48 LGUs, while Gualberto Jaspe, Bohol OSCA Federation President, gave a message of thanks for the project. (PiMO/JSS)
