‘Health on the Go’ expands free healthcare services to CamSur residents

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

What began as a medical mission originally intended for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Camarines Sur has expanded into a broader initiative, providing essential services to low-income residents throughout the province who struggle to prioritize medical care due to financial constraints.

“Health on the Go” remains one of the flagship programs under the Ka Fuerte health agenda, delivering mobile clinics and preventive services directly to remote communities.

Among the beneficiaries was Eduardo Nasiba from Maycatmon, Milaor, who visited the mobile clinic with his wife to seek treatment for a painful boil in his ear. He shared that the free consultation, medication, and procedures were “a big help,” allowing families like his to allocate their limited funds toward other urgent expenses instead of medical fees.

Nasiba, who has two children in college, admitted that he might have ignored his condition altogether if not for the program, choosing instead to prioritize tuition and daily needs.

The initiative also reaches residents from all walks of life. Nympha Serdon, a public school teacher from Barangay Binobong in Pili, was among those who received free ultrasounds, X-rays, and laboratory tests. She expressed gratitude that even professionals can benefit from these services, which would otherwise be costly in private clinics, which struggle to prioritize medical care due to financial constraints.

“Dakulang tabang ini ta dawa may trabaho ako, mahal talaga ang mga medical laboratories, arog kan ultrasound. Kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa provincial government na naisipan nindang ibukas ang programang ini, bako lang sa mga indigents kundi sa mga professional na arog ko,” Serdon said.

(This is a significant help because, even though I have a job, medical laboratory tests—such as ultrasounds—can be expensive. That’s why I am grateful to the provincial government for launching this program, which benefits not only indigent residents but also professionals like myself.)

Dr. Thomas Moll, head of the Provincial Capitol Clinic, said the provincial government decided to expand its medical services—including those for professionals—after forming a partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) through its Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) program.

Moll said the program was initially designed for IPs. However, upon recognizing the growing healthcare needs in remote barangays, the province later extended these services to far-flung communities through a “hospital on wheels.”

“Originally, our focus was on the IP sector,” he said. “But we realized that many families in remote areas also struggle to access healthcare, so we expanded the program. Through our partnership with PhilHealth under YAKAP, we can now provide free health services to more residents of Camarines Sur.”

He added that this partnership allows the province to reach residents who might otherwise delay or avoid medical care due to cost and distance.

“Ito pong YAKAP with PhilHealth, kaka-start lang ng enrolment this December lang. Kaya gusto namin sana na maipasok na lahat, kahit yung professionals na willing—mga from bigger government institutions para pati yung mga annual physical check-ups nila ma-cover na rin namin,” Moll added.

(The YAKAP program with PhilHealth just started enrollment this December. We want to include as many people as possible, even professionals from larger government institutions, so that their annual physical check-ups can also be covered.)

Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymond Villafuerte said extending free medical services across the province is a part of his broader vision for a healthier Camarines Sur.

“As part of our vision for a healthier CamSur, we remain fully committed to delivering quality healthcare services year-round—not only during election season, but every single day that we serve. Ka Fuerte Healthcare on the Go remains a priority program for CamSur,” the governor said.

The Healthcare on the Go program offers a wide range of services, from basic wellness check-ups to comprehensive laboratory tests, including complete blood count with platelets, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, oral glucose tolerance test, HbA1c, creatinine, and more.

Additional diagnostics—including urinalysis, fecalysis, and fecal occult blood tests.

Residents can also access free imaging and screening services, including mammograms, X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and electrocardiograms. Medicines are provided at no cost through the Botika ng Bayan located within the Provincial Capitol Clinic.

Through PhilHealth’s YAKAP enhanced primary care initiative, qualified beneficiaries can avail themselves of free consultations, essential diagnostics, cancer screenings, and up to P20,000 worth of annual medicines, with a focus on early detection and reduced hospitalizations.

Over the years, the Healthcare on the Go program has reached millions of residents in Camarines Sur. With more than 43 doctors and a dedicated team of health support staff, the expanding program aims to continue providing critical, accessible care to communities that need it most, reinforcing the provincial government’s commitment to inclusive and responsive public health. (PIA Bicol)