The Department of Health (DOH) broke ground for the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center, a priority project of the Marcos administration in line with the Regional Specialty Centers Law.

Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa and Undersecretary Glenn Matthew G. Baggao led the ceremony with First Lady Marie Louise Araneta Marcos at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga on July 10.

Herbosa earlier said the soon-to-rise hospital will serve Central and Northern Luzon. A similar establishment is also being planned for Quezon City.

The ground-breaking ceremony was followed by the turnover of 14 Bagong Pilipinas Mobile Clinics to the provinces in Regions 1 (Ilocos), 2 (Cagayan Valley), and Cordillera Administrative Region, that include the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Apayao, Cagayan, Quirino, Isabela, and Nueva Viscaya.

“These endeavors mark a pivotal step towards the realization of Universal Health Care in our country. Together, let us continue to work to ensure quality healthcare is not just a privilege, but a fundamental right for all Filipinos tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas, kung saan Bawat Buhay Mahalaga (to the New Philippines where Every Life Matters),” Herbosa said.

The mobile clinics are fully equipped for medical, diagnostic, and referral services to bring healthcare to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).

The ceremony was graced by Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia Pineda, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan, PAGCOR Vice President Ma. Vina Claudette Peralta Oca, Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. Executive Director Filipina Laurena, and other ranking officials. (PNA)