Pangasinan: The provincial government of Pangasinan has committed PHP1.6 billion, which represents 20 percent of its PHP8.3 billion annual budget, to healthcare initiatives, according to Governor Ramon Guico III. The announcement was made on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Guico stated that the budget allocation is intended to provide a competitive and comprehensive healthcare service to the residents of Pangasinan. A portion of the funding is earmarked for infrastructure development, which includes upgrading existing facilities and adding new hospitals such as the Umingan Supercommunity Hospital, expected to be completed this year, along with the Alcala Community Hospital, Tayug, and other locations.

Governor Guico highlighted the planned expansion of provincial government-run hospitals from 14 to 24. He emphasized the universal nature of health issues, stating, "When it comes to health, we're all equal. No one is richer or more powerful. When it comes to our bodies, we're all the same. Sickness chooses no one."

The governor also mentioned that hospital collections from Philippine Health Insurance (PhilHealth) reimbursements and other government programs will contribute to the budget for staffing, equipment, medicines, and supplies. The aim is to offer free hospitalization to Pangasinenses by strengthening the healthcare system.

Guico stressed the importance of PhilHealth enrollment, noting, "But you have to be enrolled in PhilHealth that's why we are conducting the Guiconsulta." The Guiconsulta program aims to enroll residents in PhilHealth's Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) program, which offers free consultations, essential diagnostics, and up to PHP20,000 worth of annual medicines to encourage prevention and early detection.

In line with the Universal Healthcare Law, the provincial government is actively conducting community-based medical missions to further enhance healthcare accessibility.