DoH Central Visaya Assistant Regional Director Dr. Sophia Mancao (third from left) is a DoH and Phil Health official, USAid Philippine Health Department Deputy Director Dr. Yolanda Oliveros (third from right), USAidReachHealth Project Implementation Partner RTI International Vice President of Global Launch Health Dr. Hala Al Mossawi in the middle (second from the right).
Through the United States Agency for International Development (USAid) and the Ministry of Health (DoH), the US Government has launched the second edition of the Central Visayas Health Development Center Medical Referral System Operation Manual in Cebu City.
The medical referral system guarantees efficient referral of patients among healthcare providers and is an important element of the Universal Health Insurance Act. The new manual contains guidance to implement an upgraded referral system for the region and ensure strong cooperation between healthcare providers, local governments, and other healthcare providers.
It draws on the lessons learned from the previous manual and fits into current reality and needs. Through the ReachHealth project, USAid helped review DoH’s Central Visayas Health Development Center referral system process, conduct stakeholder consultations, and complete the second edition of the manual.
“We are proud to be part of this effort to seamlessly provide healthcare to Filipinos,” said Dr. Yolanda Oliveros, Deputy Director of Health, USAid Philippines. “As a permanent friend, partner, and ally, the US Government will continue to work with partners through USAid to further strengthen the community’s health care system in pursuit of the vision of Universal Health Law.”
The updated manual also reflects regional innovations in implementing a functional health referral system at the regional, state, and city levels. This is a pioneering electronic referral, 711 health line, and life-saving telemedicine service. Since 2015, the referral system has helped thousands of Central Visayas clients access quality primary care services and life-saving telemedicine.
“This knowledge product is a powerful tool for operating an upgraded health referral system. It truly reminds us that ensuring people’s health leads to the creation of a healthy and progressive community. This is the ultimate goal of AmBisyon Natin 2040, “said Dr. Jaime Bernadas, Regional Director, DoH Central Visayas Center for Health Development.
Since 2019, USAid has assisted national and local governments with technical assistance and policy guidance to implement the Universal Insurance Act. The US Government has been a major development champion in the Philippines for 60 years and has worked with individuals, communities, and the government to improve everyday life.
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