Dubbed “Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan: Kalusugang Pangkalahatan” (LBK-KP), the first health caravan in Dumarao provided isolated and poor communities with information and medical services as well as donations from DOH’s private and public partners.
DOH Assistant Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial, in her message during the program held at Dumarao Civic Center, said the DOH and USAID assisted project aims to promote maternal and child health and nutrition.
She said the program was materialized with the help of non-government organizations and local partners like the Victory Liner Inc., Philippine Daily Inquirer, Air21, OMF Literature Inc., Dakila, Manila Broadcasting Co., Alliance of Young Nurse Leaders and Advocates International.
“They provided financial support and technical assistance while the local government units of Capiz and Dumarao managed the planning and implementation of the LBK-KP,” she said.
The “Health on Wheels” was proven an effective private-public partnership endeavor, particularly in information dissemination and providing of health services, she added.
She said the DOH already brought the Health on Wheels on over 18 areas already and has serviced nearly 38,000 people. In addition, over 1,800 pregnant and 8,000 children received prenatal and child care services on the DOH bus.
Both Dumarao Mayor Leslie Warren Benjamin and Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco Sr. lauded the program and thanked the DOH for bringing the health bus in Capiz.
Capiz is the 27th province served by the LBK-KP. It was first launched in Capas, Tarlac on March 3, 2011. On board the bus are some 10 doctors, nine dentists, with medical staff and nurses. (Felipe V. Celino/The Daily Guardian)
