The city health office on Tuesday urged residents to avail themselves of free check-ups at district health centers under the Universal Health Care law to ensure early detection of illnesses.

“We have district health centers aside from the main health center where they can have themselves checked when they are sick or even when they want to make sure that they are well,” city health officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes said.

She emphasized prevention is better than cure, citing cardiovascular diseases and cancer as the top causes of death in the city from January to September.

Brillantes said cardiovascular issues can be managed with medication, while cancer is curable if detected early.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong, in a separate statement, encouraged residents to adopt healthier lifestyles and seek regular screenings.

PhilHealth-Cordillera vice president Dr. Dominga Gadgad said the Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) program allows members to access preventive care benefits without requiring hospitalization. (PNA)