The Department of Health (DOH) officially inaugurated the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) in Pilar, Bataan on April 9.
In time with the commemoration of the Day of Valor, the facility – considered as the largest such facility in the country – stands as a powerful symbol of the government’s commitment to delivering accessible and quality healthcare services to every Filipino, honoring not only the heroes of our past but also championing the health and well-being of today’s citizens.
Joining DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa at the ceremony were DOH Undersecretary Glenn Matthew Baggao and Central Luzon Center for Health Development Regional Director Corazon Flores. Also present were Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital Medical Center Chief Dr. Monserrat Chichioco, Mariveles Mental Wellness and General Hospital Medical Center Chief Dr. Dennis Dayao Ordoña, Talavera General Hospital Medical Center Chief Dr. Maria Isabel Gallaro, Treatment Rehabilitation Center Chief of Hospital Dr. Elizabeth Serrano, PhilHealth officials who formally declared the BGHMC BUCAS accreditation, local government leaders, healthcare champions, and members of the community who welcomed the launch of the province’s first BUCAS facility.
In her message, BGHMC Medical Center Chief Dr. Glory Baltazar emphasized the importance of urgent and ambulatory services in addressing the community’s growing healthcare needs along with its financial burden. This BUCAS facility is within the reach of every Filipino, offering timely intervention while easing the burden on emergency rooms, she said.
Undersecretary Baggao underscored that BUCAS facilities serve as a bridge between primary care and hospital-based services aimed at strengthening local health system. He also mentioned that this facility is a symbol of hope and unity.
Secretary Herbosa, in his message, reaffirmed the DOH’s commitment to delivering “Bawat Pilipino Ramdam ang Kalusugan and Ligtas, Dekalidad, at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo” as part of its 8-Point Action Agenda. He highlighted the role of BUCAS facilities in bringing health services closer to communities, especially in areas where access to hospital care may be limited.
Secretary Herbosa also advocated for “TED: Tamang pagkain, Ehersisyo, at Disiplina,” making sure that the 8 Priority Health Outcomes are realized through his three primary focus: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Acute Care or Urgent Care, and Women’s Health.
The BGHMC BUCAS provides comprehensive urgent care, as well as diagnostic services in laboratory, radiology, and pharmacy. It offers specialized outpatient clinics, including:
-Family Health Clinic
-Children’s Health Clinic
-Women’s Health Clinic
-Klinika sa Mata
-Internal Medicine Clinic
-Surgery Clinic
-ENT-Head and Neck
-Dental Clinic
-Nutrition and Dietetics Clinic
BGHMC BUCAS also offers screening services for all types of cancer, HIV, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, diabetes, and hypertension.
As the 49th BUCAS in the country, fifth in Central Luzon and the first in the province of Bataan, the BGHMC BUCAS is envisioned to enhance the region’s healthcare delivery system by offering fast, affordable, and reliable services for common illnesses, ultimately helping to decongest hospitals and empower communities toward better health outcomes.
