A diagnostic center will be established in Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte to bring advanced health care services closer to the Tingguians Indigenous Peoples (IP) community and those living in far-flung areas.

Mayor Aldrin Garvida, in an interview on Friday, said they will no longer need to go far to have access to advance health care services.

The center will be established with the help of the Department of Health (DOH) and other partners, Garvida added.

On Thursday, DOH Undersecretary Enrique Tayag led the conduct of a health caravan at the town hall, with services on nutrition, oral health, mental health, immunization, primary care consultations, immunization, and family planning.

Also included were screenings for hypertension, stroke, diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, cancer, and a mobile blood donation.

Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc also attended the event and reiterated the need to strengthen every level of health care facility in the province.

Garvida thanked the DOH, other government agencies, non-government organizations, and medical professionals for bringing essential health care services to the IP communities.

“Some of our constituents have difficulties accessing primary health care services because they live in remote areas. We are glad these services are now within our reach,” he said in an interview.

By the end of this year, Ilocos Norte is targeting 100 percent coverage of the province’s rural health units and district hospitals as “Konsulta” (Consultation) providers.

Once accredited as a “Konsulta” facility by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, the outpatient package that includes consultation, laboratory examinations, and drugs and medicines with prescriptions, are free for members and their dependents provided they register and avail them in a government hospital-provider or a personal co-pay of PHP500 in a private provider. (PNA)