THE Department of Health (DOH) has proposed the establishment of floating clinics to the island provinces of the country, as presented recently to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa highlighted that many areas in the country still lack access to hospitals or health facilities and are not reachable by land-based mobile clinics.
To address this, the DOH plans to equip these islands with floating clinics or boats that provide basic medical services, similar to those in mobile clinics, such as X-ray, ultrasound, and blood chemistry facilities.
Currently, there is already a floating clinic in Sultan Kudarat.
According to the latest DOH data, heart attack, stroke, and diabetes are the leading causes of death among Filipinos, underscoring the need for regular check-ups with doctors and access to laboratory services for the public. (GP)
