Northern samar: A nine-member delegation from Bataan province visited Northern Samar from April 14 to 16 to benchmark policy and governance innovations, specifically within the healthcare sector. Bataan Provincial Health Officer Dr. Rosanna Buccahan led the delegation, which included the provincial treasurer, accountant, budget officer, and members of the local finance and bids and awards committees.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the three-day visit, the group toured the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital (NSPH) and the Allen District Hospital. Officials from both provinces exchanged best practices on hospital operations, patient care, and health system management. A key highlight of the visit was Northern Samar's Pro-Health Consignment Mechanism, a procurement and supply management system designed to enhance transparency, ensure the steady availability of medicines and medical supplies, and promote efficient use of government resources, Northern Samar's provincial government said in a statement Friday.

The system, managed by the Pro-Health Consignment Committee, has been credited with reducing wastage, strengthening the "No Balance Billing" policy, and ensuring medicine availability for inpatients. Initially piloted at NSPH, the mechanism now covers Allen District Hospital and other facilities in the province. Northern Samar Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ma. Aurora Dubongco and NSPH Chief Dr. Joseph Estanislao guided the visitors through the pharmacy, radiology department, and the central medical supply warehouse.

The tour underscored the importance of efficient logistics and inventory systems in healthcare facilities. Buccahan noted that the visit provided valuable insights, observing that improving hospital performance does not always rely on advanced infrastructure. Northern Samar's provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining cost-efficient healthcare systems and expressed readiness to share strategies with other local government units (LGUs).