Ilocos norte: The Ilocos Norte provincial government has assembled an inspection team to enhance access to essential medicines at the Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital (GRBASMH) in this city. Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos confirmed this on Friday, following a shortage of medicines for patients at the Ilocos Norte provincial hospital.

According to Philippines News Agency, the governor expressed regret over the situation, acknowledging it as a learning curve and emphasizing the importance of preventing similar occurrences in the future. She has directed Dr. Arlene Ragasa, chief of hospital at the GRBASMH, to expedite the procurement process, particularly for medicines, to ensure a sufficient supply.

Several factors contributed to the medicine shortage at the provincial hospital, as identified by Marcos. These include an increase in patient numbers in the Outpatient and Emergency Departments, the implementation of the PHILHEALTH YAKAP program, which enhances the primary care package in government hospitals, and the introduction of the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit at the provincial hospital.

The PhilHealth package specifically addresses emergency medical services for patients who do not require hospital admission. To further improve access to essential medicines among primary healthcare providers in the province, the Department of Health-run Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City is working on a consignment agreement with local government units. This initiative will be piloted in the municipalities of Solsona and Dingras, supporting the government's Universal Health Care Act aimed at ensuring equitable and affordable healthcare for all residents.