DOH opens 4 BUCAS centers in Apayao

BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Four extension clinics have been designated as Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) Centers in the province of Apayao, a significant step to address the local needs in the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).
Department of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire with DOH Cordillera Regional Director Ferdinand Benbenen, Apayao Governor Elias Bulut Jr. and Board Member Kyle Bulut led the launching ceremonies of the BUCAS Centers in Calaoan, Conner, Mataguisi in Pudtol, Kasaranay in Luna, and Tanglagan in Calanasan on September 10 and 11, 2024. They were joined by Conner District Hospital Chief Dr. Nelson Rigor, Amma Jadsac District Hospital Chief Dr. Mary Elisa Galleon, Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center Chief Dr. Marlene Lubong, along with the mayors and officials of Luna, Calanasan and Conner, provincial and municipal health officers, and other local officials.
The BUCAS Center is a government initiative to enhance healthcare accessibility in GIDAs, bridging the gap between primary care facilities and higher-level health institutions across the country.
Vergeire said the BUCAS center is an answer to the long-standing gaps in healthcare accessibility in the province as it will bring specialized healthcare closer to the people.
She underscored the pressing need for enhanced healthcare services in distant areas noting the common challenge faced by the locals in accessing timely medication.
“Kapag Biyernes ng gabi, Sabado, o Linggo, walang ibang mapuntahan kasi sarado ang health center. Kulang din tayo sa espesyalista. Ito pong BUCAS Center ay bukas mula Lunes hanggang Linggo, mula alas sais ng umaga hanggang alas diyes ng gabi,” Vergeire said.
Aside from reducing the financial and logistical strain on patients who would otherwise have to travel long distances, the BUCAS Center likewise aims to alleviate the burden on larger hospitals by providing necessary services locally.
According to the DOH-CAR, the BUCAS centers initially will operate on a scheduled basis but will eventually be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Each center will also host a visiting medical specialist every week. They will offer a comprehensive range of services including tuberculosis creening, immunizations for adults and children, mental health services, breast and cervical cancer screening, nutrition support, animal bite treatment, ambulatory surgical services, X-ray services, dental care, and laboratory examinations such as clinical microscopy, clinical chemistry, and hematology.
Bulut said that the BUCAS centers are “a dream fulfilled for the province of Apayao.”
“Natupad na ang matagal naming pinapangarap na mangyari especially in the delivery of health services. Matagal ko nang pangarap ito, kaya noong naupo akong governor, I always ask: How will I bring health services to the doorstep of my constituents?” he said.
He cited the challenges that the province faced in the past particularly in reaching adequate healthcare due to poor infrastructure and financial limitations.
“Ang mga tao dito hirap pumunta sa hospital. Hindi lang dahil sa transportation, siempre yung estado rin ng buhay kailangan din iconsider,” he said.
[People here are hard up in going to a hospital. Not only due to limited transportation but consider also their living condition.]
Bulut also emphasized that the province’s rise from poverty is a result of continued development efforts, which include improving health services and infrastructure.
“Before, we were one of the poorest provinces in the country, but we were able to turn the economy of the province around kaya medyo nawala na kami sa poorest. It is because of the development that we are doing,” he stated, reinforcing his full commitment to progress.
The governor pledged full support to guarantee the success of the BUCAS Centers, stressing that the provincial government will remain persistent in improving the program. **JDP/RMC PIA-CAR (DOH-CAR & Apayao PIO