SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union---- In response to the Duterte Health Agenda with the tagline “All for Health towards Health for All,” the Province of La Union spearheaded the conduct of the Social Health Insurance Forum with the PhilHealth-La Union Local Health Insurance Office.

The event was attended by the Chiefs of Hospitals and key staff of the six District Hospitals of La Union, City/Municipal Health Officers, nurses and midwives from the 19 Municipalities and San Fernando City of La Union at the Diego Silang Hall, Provincial Capitol and Department of Health- Region 1 Conference Room.

It was an avenue to strengthen Service Delivery networks with the Rural Health Units and their referral district hospitals, thus ensuring access and continuum of health care of PhilHealth members and patients.

The vital role of the health providers, both institutional and practitioners was emphasized in the discussion of the new PhilHealth Circulars on the treatment guidelines of Acute Gastroenteritis, Urinary Tract Infection and Community Acquired Pneumonia and other updates. To ensure continuous health coverage of the poor, a review of the implementation guidelines of the Point of Care Program was done.

In order to attain at least 90% compliance to the No Balance Billing policy in government hospitals in La Union, its implementing guidelines were also discussed to ensure uniformity and transparency.

Inspired by the message of Governor Francisco Emmanuel R. Ortega III of unity and proactive action in the health service delivery, we have attained our mutual purpose for a healthier La Union. (END) (Dr. Helen D. Tobias CSIO/ Chief – LHIO La Union)