Pangasinan: The Department of Health (DOH) has opened another Super Health Center (SHC) in Pangasinan, this time in Alcala town, providing timely and accessible primary care to the residents and neighboring towns.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOH Ilocos Region director Paula Paz Sydiongco emphasized the significance of this development, highlighting that Pangasinan has the largest population among the provinces in the Ilocos Region, with many residents living in remote communities far from hospitals. The new SHC aims to serve as the first responder to those in need of healthcare services, ensuring that primary care is within reach for these communities.

Sydiongco further explained that the SHC will also play a crucial role in referring patients who require higher medical assistance. This initiative is designed to alleviate the burden on families, especially during emergencies, by providing immediate care and ensuring a seamless transition to more comprehensive medical facilities when necessary.

Before the establishment of the SHC in Alcala, the DOH Ilocos Region had already opened two other centers in the towns of Bani and Agno. The funding for the Alcala SHC was sourced from the 2025 General Appropriations Act, with the construction carried out through the DOH-Health Facility Enhancement Program. The project received a budget allocation of PHP10 million for the building and an additional PHP2 million for essential equipment.

Sydiongco also mentioned the provision of equipment to SHCs, including Barangay Health Station packages. These packages consist of various medical tools that complement the health services provided at the facility, enhancing the overall healthcare delivery in the communities they serve.