DOH boosts service delivery with Hi-5 launch

DAGUPAN CITY - To achieve its goal to provide universal health care for all Filipinos, the Department of Health (DOH) has launched its High Impact Five (Hi-5) for hospitals on Monday at the Region 1 Medical Center Conference Hall in this city.

Assistant Secretary Elmer Punzalan of the DOH, said the Hi-5 program for hospitals aims to improve access to quality hospital and health care facilities by all Filipinos through the DOH operational strategy called Kalusugang Pangkalahatan (KP).

Punzalan said the Hi-5 focuses on maternal health care, infant health care, child care, HIV-AIDS, and service delivery network.

Edwin Sanchez, assistant regional director of DOH-Regional Office 1, said through the Hi-5, the health department seeks to utilize all hospitals to complement with the efforts of the DOH regional offices for the achievement of universal health system goals.

Sanchez said under the Hospital Hi-5, there are four strategies expected to be implemented by all government owned and operated hospitals.

The four strategies are Alagang Pinoy Brand, Kapit-Bisig para sa Kalusugang Pangkalahatan, strengthening service delivery network, and ensuring availability of drugs and medicines.

 “Under the Alagang Pinoy Brand, the health department aims to improve client experience and perceptions to government- owned and operated hospitals,” said Sanchez adding that hospital staff will be trained with patient-centered approached and good customer service dubbed as ‘Kuya Dok and Ate Nars.’

He said through the Kuya Dok and Ate Nars approach, each hospital personnel is expected to exemplify commitment competence, compassion and creativity.

For the Kapit-Bisig para sa Kalusugang Pangkalahatan, DOH hospitals and regional offices, including local government- operated hospitals, will jointly conduct medical and surgical caravans to extend health care services to the people, Sanchez added.

He said hospitals will strengthen their service delivery network and ensure availability of drugs and medicines to uphold the ‘no balance billing’ for indigent families.

He added that through the Hi-5 program, DOH hopes to reduce maternal and child mortality as well as ensure that every ill person whose life is in need of health care is attended to. (VHS/EMBS/PIA-1, Pangasinan)