On March 18, 2025, the Department of Health IV-A, in collaboration with the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO) and the Trece Martires City Health Office (TMCHO), officially launched the PuroKalusugan program in Barangay Cabuco, Trece Martires City. The initiative aims to provide essential healthcare services directly to residents of barangays or “puroks” throughout the country.
The PuroKalusugan program is part of the Department of Health’s broader effort to improve access to vital healthcare services for communities that may otherwise have limited access to these resources. A key component of the department’s Eight-Point Action Agenda, the program prioritizes several critical areas of health including vaccination, nutrition, water sanitation, maternal health, tuberculosis (TB) prevention, HIV screening, and non-communicable disease prevention.
By addressing these eight focal points, the program strives to reduce health disparities and foster the well-being of underserved communities across the Philippines. One of the core goals is to ensure that essential health services are brought directly to the people, particularly in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
During the health event, a variety of essential healthcare services were provided to the community. Services include chest X-ray screenings to detect potential respiratory issues such as tuberculosis, and skin consultations under the “Kilatis Kutis” program, which addressed various dermatological concerns. Residents received deworming treatments and oral rehydration salts (ORS) to promote better health, particularly for children. HIV counseling and testing were offered to raise awareness and provide support for HIV prevention, while purified protein derivative (PPD) testing was conducted to identify exposure to tuberculosis. Additionally, anti-rabies vaccinations were given to pets to protect the community from rabies.
In addition to these health services, the event also included a Rabies Awareness Lecture to educate the public on the risks and prevention of rabies. Furthermore, a poster-making contest was organized in celebration of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, with students from Feliciano Cabuco Elementary School participating actively. The contest not only engaged the youth but also raised awareness about the ongoing fight against TB.
Local officials, including Mayor Gemma B. Lubigan and Vice Mayor Bobby Montehermoso together with some members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and some barangay captains of the city were present at the event. They expressed their deep appreciation for the program and emphasized the importance of such health initiatives for the residents of Trece Martires City. Their support highlights the local government’s commitment to enhancing public health services and ensuring that the people of the city receive the care they need.
The successful launch of the PuroKalusugan program is an important milestone in the Department of Health’s ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive healthcare services at the grassroots level. By focusing on accessible and preventive healthcare, the program is playing a crucial role in improving the health and well-being of Filipinos across the country, especially in marginalized and underserved communities.
As part of its expansion, the PuroKalusugan program will continue to roll out to other barangays, bringing essential health services directly to more residents. Through collaboration with local government units and health offices, this initiative is expected to make a lasting impact on the overall health outcomes of communities nationwide. (OPIO)