BUCAS Rollout to Boost Cebu’s Healthcare Access

In an effort to enhance healthcare accessibility for Cebuanos, the Department of Health Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH Central Visayas CHD) has entered into a partnership with Cebu South Medical Center, Gaisano Capital, The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI), and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI). This promising collaboration was unveiled during the Year-End Media Thanksgiving and Press Conference on December 12, 2024, held at the Golden Prince Hotel and Suites in Cebu City.

The focal point of this partnership is the launch of BUCAS, or Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services. This innovative initiative by the DOH aims to provide rapid medical attention for urgent, non-life-threatening conditions, thus alleviating the strain on public hospitals by offering services that don’t necessitate a full emergency room visit. Notably, the BUCAS center will be the first in the Philippines to offer a wide range of outpatient services free of charge for PhilHealth members.

The inaugural BUCAS center will be situated in Gaisano Capital Mall, Talisay City. This prime location is set to facilitate access to vital healthcare services, including ambulatory and urgent care, minor surgical and non-surgical procedures, diagnostics, dental care, and primary healthcare. The services will also encompass prenatal care, child immunization, general check-ups, mental health support, free medicines, cancer screenings, and HPV vaccinations.

Dr. Sophia Mancao, Assistant Regional Director of DOH Central Visayas CHD, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in bridging the gap between public and private sectors to enhance healthcare services. She noted that through this partnership, better healthcare accessibility is ensured, showcasing a united effort to address the challenges within the healthcare sector.

Gaisano Capital Mall in Talisay has generously donated a 600-square-meter space for the BUCAS center, free of charge, with multiple private partners contributing medical equipment, facility upgrades, and other forms of support to guarantee the project’s success.

Jay Yuvallos, President of CCCI, highlighted the pivotal role of the business sector in supporting this initiative. He stressed the importance of addressing hospital overcrowding and improving access to healthcare for the Filipino community, especially for those with limited access to hospitals.

The formalization of this partnership was signaled by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between key officials from both DOH and CCCI. The memorandum was signed by Dr. Sophia Mancao and James S. Bernadas from DOH, as well as CCCI President and Executive Director Jay Y. Yuvallos and Joy Lorena Segismar, respectively.

With the upcoming opening of the first BUCAS center at Gaisano Capital Mall in Talisay, this partnership marks a significant stride towards improving healthcare delivery in Cebu, ensuring that quality medical services are more accessible to Cebuanos.

For more information about the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, please feel free to call the chamber at 232-1421 to 24 or visit https://cebuchamber.org/.