Manilans urged: Patronize barangay health centers

MANILA, Philippines — To reduce overcrowding and long lines at the six city-run hospitals in Manila, Mayor Joseph Estrada urged Manileños yesterday to patronize health centers in their areas.

Estrada said health centers are well-equipped and funded by the local government to provide free services to the public.

The city council has approved a P360-million budget for 59 community health centers and 12 lying-in clinics in the city for this year.

“Health centers in 896 barangays in the city have highly-trained doctors and medical staff to serve the residents,” Estrada said. 

 Citing a report submitted by Dr. Regina Bagsic, overall coordinator of hospitals in Manila, Estrada said admissions to out-patient departments of city-run hospitals have increased in the past months.

He asked the residents to instead go to the health centers for minor injuries and other medical needs.

Bagsic said health centers in Manila provide quality healthcare services such as immunization, maternal care and dental treatment, among others.

Hospitals run by the city government are Sta. Ana Hospital, Ospital ng Tondo, Ospital ng Sampaloc, Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center and Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital.