DAGUPAN CITY — A newly inaugurated Super Health Center is now operational in Dagupan City, providing a range of medical services free of charge to residents of five eastern villages. This center aims to enhance local access to essential healthcare services, reducing the need for residents to seek care at distant hospitals.
According to Philippines News Agency, under the leadership of director Paula Paz Sydiongco, the facility offers comprehensive healthcare services including dental care, laboratory tests, X-rays, and birthing facilities. "This facility will complement our existing primary care facilities in Dagupan City, making basic medical services accessible so that community members do not have to line up at hospitals," said Sydiongco in a statement released on Monday.
The health center, located in Barangay Bolosan, serves not only Bolosan but also the neighboring villages of Salisay, Mangin, Tebeng, Tambac, and Mamalingling. Constructed with a budget of PHP 16 million provided by the DOH Health Facility Enhancement Program 2021, the center was completed on May 16, 2024, and officially opened on August 3, 2024.
In addition to its standard medical offerings, the center features a birthing area, a minor operating room, a dental suite, a pharmacy, and facilities for tuberculosis treatment and other outpatient services. The access road to the facility was donated by philanthropist Dr. Ashok Vasandani, further supporting the community's access to healthcare.
Mayor Belen Fernandez expressed her gratitude towards the national government for establishing the center, which she announced via her social media platforms, highlighting the provision of free medical services to city residents. Local residents, such as Regina Martin from Barangay Mamalingling, have praised the center's impact, noting its convenience and the significant relief it provides from the overcrowded conditions at regional hospitals. "The nearest government hospital, the Region 1 Medical Center, is around 15 to 20 minutes away. And since it's a regional hospital, there are always a lot of patients, so this center is a big help," Martin commented.
The Dagupan facility is part of a broader network of Super Health Centers in Pangasinan, with others located in cities and towns including Alaminos, Asingan, Balungao, Basista, Binalaonan, Manaoag, Mapandan, Tayug, and Umingan.