PGMA programs, projects uplifted Filipinos’ health, welfare, says Duque

Manila (28 July) — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the flagship programs and projects initiated by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo since she assumed power in 2001 have successfully uplifted the state of health of Filipinos.

Secretary Duque said that through the initiative and intervention of President Arroyo, the hunger incidence in the Philippines decreased from 23 percent in the last quarter of 2008 to 15 percent today.

He noted that President Arroyo increased the budget of the Department of Health twice which did not happen in previous administrations.

He pointed out that part of the accomplishments of President Arroyo is the increase of PhilHealth’s coverage, saying that about 86 percent of the country’s population is now covered as compared to 36 percent before the Chief Executive’s term.

The Arroyo administration, he said, is doing its best to bring primary services such as health and nutrition to millions of Filipinos.

Assistant Secretary Ma. Bernardita Flores of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) likewise noted that without the intervention of President Arroyo, the Philippines might have a hard time meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets.

Secretary Duque cited the establishment of thousands of Botika Ng Barangay under President Arroyo’s watch where prices of medicines were sold at, lower rates to benefit the poor and the marginalized sector of society.

The other vital accomplishment of the Chief Executive, according to the Health Secretary, is the pharmaceutical companies’ voluntary reduction of prices in 16 essential medicines made possible through the intercession of President Arroyo. (PIA)