Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna urged barangay officials to encourage residents to take advantage of the expanded services offered at the city’s 44 health centers.
These centers now provide additional services such as clinical laboratories, ECG, and ultrasound for pregnant women, alongside free medicines like metformin and losartan.
Health Department chief Dr. Arnold Pangan confirmed that the centers no longer require online appointments for consultations. They are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. While walk-ins are accepted, residents who register online will have their data on file for quicker processing.
Lacuna, a medical doctor, emphasized the importance of preventive care. She encouraged residents to visit the centers for free check-ups before any illness arose. “Prevention is always better than cure,” she said.
The mayor also urged parents to have their children vaccinated at the health centers and avoid overcrowding hospitals when possible. “If your health issue can be addressed at the health center, they will refer you to a hospital if necessary,” she added.
