President Marcos Calls for 24/7 BUCAS Centers Operation
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the need for Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers to be open daily and around the clock. Speaking at the inauguration of the Region 1 Medical Center Cancer Institute in Dagupan City, he highlighted the urgency of providing immediate medical attention, stating, “Nais nating maging twenty-four hours, seven days a week itong bukas dahil ang sakit, eh wala namang pinipiling oras.”
He further added, “Nais din nating dumami pa ito para mas maraming mabigyan ng dekalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan,” expressing his desire to expand the number of BUCAS centers so more Filipinos can access quality healthcare services.
Overview of BUCAS Centers and Their Services
BUCAS centers were created to meet the ambulatory medical and surgical needs of Filipinos. These centers provide minor surgeries, immunizations for adults and children, dental care, and other essential health services. Since their launch in March 2024, these centers have served approximately 800,000 patients, including those from remote provinces.
Currently, three BUCAS centers operate in the Ilocos region, with one located in Dagupan City. As of recent reports, 51 centers function across 33 provinces nationwide, with 26 in Luzon, eight in the Visayas, and 17 in Mindanao.
Comprehensive Medical Services Offered
BUCAS centers are equipped with modern medical equipment and staffed by qualified healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality care. They accommodate over 500 patients daily, providing urgent but non-life-threatening medical attention.
Services include laboratory tests such as complete blood count, blood chemistry, urinalysis, blood typing, X-rays, ultrasonography, ECG, and tests for diseases like tuberculosis, dengue, and COVID-19. They also conduct cancer screenings and perform surgical operations involving breast tumors and cataracts.
Additional Health Support
The centers also offer consultations for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Pregnant women and their babies receive comprehensive checkups, including obstetrics and gynecology consultations. Mental health support, first aid, nutrition counseling, dental care, animal bite treatment, and access to medicines via in-house pharmacies are also available.
Specialized services cater to senior citizens, providing geriatric care, ENT (ear, nose, throat) treatments, orthopedic consultations, and surgical procedures.
Accessibility and Cost of Services
Most services provided at BUCAS centers are free of charge, with only certain medical procedures requiring a minimal fee. This approach aligns with the original vision behind BUCAS, inspired by a project initiated by the First Lady to deliver healthcare to marginalized communities.
Sources familiar with the matter confirm that the government plans to expand these centers further to ensure wider access to timely and quality medical care across the Philippines.
For more news and updates on BUCAS centers, visit Filipinokami.com.