2 health centers get DOH license

MANILA, Philippines — Two health centers in Taguig City became the first facilities in Metro Manila to get a license from the Department of Health (DOH) to operate as primary care facilities (PCF).

The city government said the health centers in Hagonoy and Calzada earned their licenses to operate as PCFs on Monday and would be operating with the licenses until 2024.

Based on the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, the DOH grants licenses for stand-alone facilities that provide the community they serve with initial-contact, accessible, continuous, comprehensive and coordinated primary care services.

“Per Administrative Order No. 2020-0047, the PFC licensing is important to fulfill the UHC Act’s goal to ensure that every Filipino has access to affordable, safe and highest quality primary care services and health benefits,” the city government said in a statement.

Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano said the order is applicable to all government and private PCFs, but not to the outpatient departments of hospitals and infirmaries that deliver primary care services.

“We believe that in order to adapt to a rapidly changing society, we must ensure the health of our community. Health is essential for a society to function; thus, we will continue to create effective and inclusive health programs for our citizens in Taguig City,” she said.