After its launch a year ago, the Marcos administration’s innovative Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) centers have provided medical care to an estimated 800,000 Filipinos from far-flung areas.
The creation of BUCAS centers was inspired by the LAB For All project of First Lady Marie Louse “Liza” Araneta Marcos for medical care and other services to the country’s poorest, according to Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
Herbosa said the DOH opened the first BUCAS center in Sto. Tomas, Pampanga, last March 2024.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said BUCAS centers are equipped with modern medical equipment and qualified healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality service.
“Makabago po ang mga gamit at mabilis ang serbisyo ng mga DOH BUCAS centers na ito na siyang puntahan ng ating mga kababayan sa mga probinsya para sa para sa mabilisan at agarang serbisyong medikal o ambulatory care,” she said.
In a briefing on Friday, Castro said that 51 BUCAS centers affiliated with the DOH are operating in 33 provinces to date.
Of the total figure, 26 BUCAS centers are in Luzon, 8 in the Visayas, and 17 in Mindanao.
The BUCAS centers provide accessible healthcare services, especially in far-flung areas.
“Isa sa mga programa ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., katuwang si Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, ay ang pagpapalapit sa ating mga kababayan ng mga serbisyong pangkalusugan na karaniwan nilang nakukuha sa mga ospital. Bukas na po ang 51 Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service o BUCAS centers sa 33 probinsya sa buong bansa,” Castro said.
Castro said the BUCAS centers cater to over 500 patients daily and continue to be a go-to for Filipinos in need of urgent, non-life-threatening medical attention.
Castro said the BUCAS centers offer various medical services, including laboratory tests, tuberculosis screening and management, vaccinations, cancer screening, and surgical operations for breast, tumor, and cataracts.
“Mabilis pong nakukuha ng mga kababayan natin ang mga laboratory services gaya ng complete blood count o CBC, blood chemistry, urinalysis, blood typing, x-ray, ultrasonography, ECG, fecalysis, FOBT, dengue NSI, dengue IGG at IGM, COVID rapid antigen test at HBsAg,” Castro said.
BUCAS centers also offer consultations for high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as complete checkups for pregnant women and their babies.
Other BUCAS services include OB-Gyn consultation, mental health support, first aid and referral for crash injuries, nutrition services, dental care, animal bite treatment, and access to medicine through an in-house pharmacy.
These facilities also offer specialized services for senior citizens, such as geriatric care, ENT (ear, nose, throat), orthopedic, and surgical procedures.
Services at BUCAS centers are free, except for specific medical procedures, which may require a minimal fee, Castro said. | PND
