The Department of Health (DOH) has deployed four new medical doctors to Lanao del Norte province as part of its “Doctors to the Barrios (DTTB)” program, aimed at addressing healthcare gaps in rural areas.

In a statement Thursday, DOH-Region 10 Director Dr. Sulpicio Legaspi Jr. said the doctors will be assigned to municipalities to support local governments in delivering healthcare services.

“This deployment is also part of their return service to the DOH, as they were scholars during their medical studies,” Legaspi said.

The DTTB program aligns with the agency’s mandate to provide accessible and effective healthcare,6 particularly in underserved communities.

Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Dimaporo welcomed the deployment, assuring the doctors of the provincial government’s full support. “Our province is safe, and we assure you of our assistance as you carry out your duties,” she said in a statement.

Dimaporo and DOH officials are also exploring the creation of a Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services Center at the provincial hospital in Kauswagan town, in partnership with the Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC) in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur province. (PNA)