ILOILO City – Hundreds of indigenous peoples (IPs) and residents in underserved villages of Jaro district gained access to free essential healthcare services with the Department of Health (DOH) rolling out its PuroKalusugan Program through a health caravan aimed at bringing government health services directly to vulnerable communities.
The initiative, in partnership with the Iloilo City Health Office (ICHO) and local partners, launched on June 25 at the Barangay Buntatala Gym in Phase 2, Landheights III. It sought to improve healthcare accessibility for indigenous peoples and residents from 13 barangays — Balabago, Balantang, Bito-on, Buhang, Buntatala, Camalig, Cubay, Lanit, M.V. Hechanova, Tabuc Suba, Tacas, Tagbac, and Quintin Salas.
Residents received a wide range of free medical services from healthcare workers and partner agencies, including medical consultations, immunizations, oral healthcare through the DOH Mobile Dental Van, and anti-rabies vaccinations for pets provided by the City Veterinary Office.
The caravan also featured health education booths that provided information on adolescent health, children’s health and rights, family planning, maternal and newborn care, road safety, nutrition, proper handwashing, rabies prevention, and tuberculosis treatment through the TB-DOTS program. Organizers said these activities were designed to encourage healthier lifestyles and strengthen disease prevention efforts within the communities.
As part of the program, health officials formally launched the Jaro II District PuroKalusugan Theme Song and discussed implementation strategies with local stakeholders to encourage broader community participation in promoting public health initiatives.
Members of the indigenous community also received hygiene kits to help promote proper sanitation and personal health practices.
The DOH Region 6 said the launch of the PuroKalusugan Program marks another milestone in its continuing effort to make primary healthcare services more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of indigenous peoples and other underserved populations./PN
