The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines has opened a new Super Health Centre (SHC) in Imus City, Cavite. 

The new centre is equipped to offer a variety of services, including database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation wards, an ambulatory surgical unit, pharmacy access, and diagnostic services such as x-ray and ultrasound.  

Additional services at the centre include eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) care, oncology, physical therapy and rehabilitation, as well as telemedicine facilities. 

According to the Senate of the Philippines’ media release, the establishment of Super Health Centres such as the one in Imus City is a strategic move to provide a primary care alternative for minor medical issues, which will reduce the pressure on hospitals.  

This facility is part of the Philippines government’s broader initiative to decentralise healthcare and make it more accessible to local communities. 

The Imus City SHC is further expected to be beneficial for grassroots communities where access to healthcare can be limited. 

Philippines Health and Demography Senate Committee chairperson Christopher Go said: “Today marks a milestone in our ongoing efforts to bring comprehensive healthcare services closer to our people. Ensuring that every Filipino has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, is a significant step towards achieving universal healthcare.” 

In a report by INQUIRER.net, DOH Secretary Dr Teodoro Herbosa was quoted as saying: “We look at Imus, Cavite, as one of our most advanced LGUs [local government units] in UHC [universal health care] implementation and to take a more proactive role in implementing the department’s initiatives as we envision UHC.” 

The report highlighted that Herbosa has also shared the department's plan to establish 28 national ambulatory and urgent care centres across the country by 2028.  

These centres are projected to serve the 28 million most vulnerable Filipinos, including those in marginalised communities, thereby significantly expanding the reach of healthcare services in the nation. 

In September last year, the Philippines DOH and the local government of Nabas, Aklan, broke ground on the Super Health Centre in Barangay Poblacion.