The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday kicked off its two-day national health fair, providing free medical services to the public.

The “PinaSigla: Isang Flex para sa Masiglang Pilipinas,” which runs until Sunday, is a flagship DOH program that seeks to promote preventive care, a healthier lifestyle, and community wellness.

“Ito ay launch lamang ng PinaSigla. Very important na gagawin natin ito in every region, in every province para maitaguyod ang mga importanteng aspeto ng kalusugan (This is just the launch of PinaSigla. It is very important that we do this in every region, in every province to promote the important aspects of health),” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said.

Among the event’s highlights are free medical services, such as on-site check-ups, laboratory screenings, vaccinations, mental health counseling, and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) testing.

Booths were also set up to provide nutritional assessments and guidance on substance abuse prevention, and sexual and reproductive health, among others.

“Maraming activities sa health care na akala mo malalaman mo lang sa ospital. Hindi sa ospital nagsisimula ang kalusugan. Nagsisimula ito sa pamilya at komunidad (There are many activities in health care that you think you would only learn from hospitals. Health does not start in the hospital. It starts within the family and community),” Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said in a separate interview on the sidelines of the event.

“Itong event na ito ay hindi para lang magkaroon tayo ng event. Ang gagawin natin is magkakaroon tayo ng mga smaller events sa mga iba-ibang mga lugar (This event is not just for us to have an event. What we will do is we will have smaller events in other places).”

Domingo said the DOH targets to hold similar family fairs every quarter in other locations, based on the health needs of the concerned region.

The two-day national health fair is expected to cater to up to 2,000 people. (PNA)