It’s a given that a major part of a good life is good health. Even with its status as a developing country, the Philippine government has shown this commitment in ensuring that its citizens get what they need to stay healthy and happy. The Department of Health continuously conduct medical missions and free clinics to various barangays nationwide. Information campaigns about communicable diseases, their causes and cures, help the people realize the value of prevention and the practice of vigilance. Examples of such are the TB-DOTS for tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS program and STD. For government employees, they enjoy the benefits of PhilHealth and SCGEM that aid them financially when major operations, tests or hospitalization occurs.
Such moves to address health issues especially in small barangays in all regions of the country is an indicator of a road towards progress. People could throw all sorts of insults on its government, but they cannot deny the fact that in this regard (health) it has not failed. The free vaccines given to children and pregnant women cost thousands of pesos in private hospitals. Check-ups are usually being paid for but come free in government health offices and medical missions. The quality of treatment and service in both private and government hospitals are basically the same. One cannot pirate supposedly life-saving procedures and methods.
The big difference is in staying conditions and the processes you have to go through to avail of these benefits. You have to endure long queues, the heat, the chaos, the stack of papers to identify you as a real beneficiary. The living conditions in government hospitals and the sanitation of most are significant problems yet to be addressed. These are the aspects that contribute to health, good health, that have been gravely overlooked and must immediately be developed.
We all have struggles, and wherever we go we are bound to face hassles. But the road to a healthy, happy life requires one’s own desire to take care of him/herself. With the programs of the health department, we are being given the chance to be able to do something to ensure that we can maintain a tiptop shape. The choice, the desire to do take advantage of these benefits is in our hands. The ball is in our court, let’s make good use of it.
