President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his commitment to providing efficient and accessible healthcare for all Filipinos through free urgent, ambulatory, and outpatient medical services for non-life-threatening conditions.

During last Wednesday’s Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas rally in Malolos City, Bulacan, the President announced plans to significantly expand the number of Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers.

“Ang karamihan naman po ay hindi kailangan mag-confine sa ospital. Kaya naman nasa clinic lang, magtatahi lang ng sugat o ‘yung bali ng paa o manganganak,” President Marcos said.

“Lahat po ‘yan ay kaya naman nitong ating mga BUCAS center. Kaya’t pararamihin po natin nang pararamihin,” the President added.

Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said BUCAS centers play a critical role in improving healthcare accessibility, especially in areas where hospital services are limited. The centers support hospitals in giving urgent medical attention to non-life-threatening conditions.

These healthcare centers offer essential medical services, such as consultation, laboratory and diagnostic testing, dental care, and reproductive health services.

As of March 2025, President Marcos said there are 51 BUCAS centers nationwide.

A BUCAS center also brings medical services closer to communities, especially those in far-flung areas, decongesting hospitals. | PND