DOH: BUCAS centers have served almost 860,000 patients as of June 2025
The Bagong Urgent Care Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) Centers of the Department of Health (DOH) have assisted nearly 860,000 patients as of June 2025, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said.
In a Palace press briefing on Thursday, Herbosa said that all 51 BUCAS centers nationwide continue to serve Filipinos by offering additional health services to avoid longer lines at DOH hospitals.
'Patunay po ito na mas mabilis na naihatid ng ating mga kababayan ang mga serbisyong medikal dahil noong March 2024 lang po tayo nagsimula… Ngayon, 26 na po ang operational sa Luzon, habang 8 sa Visayas at 17 sa Mindanao,' he shared.
(This proves that medical services are being immediately provided to Filipinos, since we only started in March 2024… Now, there are 26 operational in Luzon, while 8 are in Visayas and 17 are in Mindanao.)
The first BUCAS Center was opened in Sto. Tomas, Pampanga in March 6, 2024, in accordance with the Regional Specialty Centers Act to 'institutionalize the establishment of specialty and healthcare centers across the country.'
'May libreng gamot din po kaming binibigay sa BUCAS kagaya ng maintenance para sa high blood at diabetes. Mayroon din po kaming prenatal check-up para sa mga buntis, libreng bakuna at anti-rabies shot para sa mga nakagat ng hayop,' Herbosa said.
(There is also free medicine being given in BUCAS, such as maintenance for high blood and diabetes. There are also prenatal check-ups for pregnant women, free vaccinations and anti-rabies shots for those bitten by animals.)
'Ang BUCAS ay bahagi ng layunin ng DOH na mas maramdaman ng mga kababayan natin ang Universal Health Care dahil ang bilin po ng Presidente ay patas na access at komprehensibong serbisyong pangkalusugan ang nabibigay sa iba't ibang parte ng bansa,' he added.
(BUCAS is part of the DOH's advocacy to further bring Universal Health Care to Filipinos because the President has ordered equal access and comprehensive health services to be given to different parts of the country.) — BM, GMA Integrated News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
GMA Network
3 days ago
- GMA Network
DOH on Code White Alert due to Crising
The Department of Health said it issued a Code White Alert for the DOH Operations Center due to the possible effects of Tropical Storm Crising. The Code White Alert was issued on Friday night as part of the department's preparations for Crising. "Sa ilalim ng Code White Alert, inihahanda ng DOH OpCen ang mga gamot, medical equipment, at Health Emergency Response Teams para sa mga rehiyon na tinatayang maapektuhan ng bagyo," the DOH said. (Under a Code White Alert, the DOH is preparing the medicines, medical equipment, and Health Emergency Response Teams for regions that may be affected by the storm.) "Nakaantabay naman ang National Emergency Hotline 911 at local emergency hotlines para sa mga mangangailangan ng tulong," it added. (The National Emergency Hotline 911 and local emergency hotlines are ready to respond to those who need assistance.) Five areas were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 on Saturday morning as Tropical Storm Crising brings rains on its way to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility, PAGASA said in its 5 a.m. Saturday bulletin. These five areas are Batanes; the northern portion of Cagayan (Santa Praxedes, Claveria, Sanchez-Mira, Pamplona, Abulug, Ballesteros, Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Santa Teresita, Buguey, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Allacapan, Lal-Lo, Lasam, Rizal, Santo Niño, Gattaran, Alcala) including Babuyan Islands; Ilocos Norte; the northern and central portions of Apayao (Calanasan, Luna, Pudtol, Kabugao, Flora, Santa Marcela); and the northeastern portion of Abra (Tineg, Lagayan) Crising brought heavy rains and caused flooding and evacuations in many areas overnight. Two people were also reported missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). A total of 1,875 individuals were stranded in various ports from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. on Saturday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said. The PCG also said 81 vessels, 37 motorbancas, and 591 rolling cargoes were stranded. Those taking shelter meanwhile, were 57 vessels and 106 motorbancas, it added. —KG, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
3 days ago
- GMA Network
Bringing back Pinoy smiles, one at a time
Filipinos are naturally happy people, with the characteristic Pinoy smile embodying this cheerful personality. That is why it is important for us to have a confident smile. Although smiling is instinctive for Filipinos, many forget the impact of this seemingly ordinary expression on our daily lives. More than just brightening up one's day, did you know that smiling also triggers special benefits that you and the people around you enjoy? The smile's special power Smiling helps improve overall wellbeing. When smiling, the body releases dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin—hormones that help relieve stress. These happy hormones help decrease heart rate and blood pressure, so you feel more relaxed. With your happiness level up, you also feel more optimistic. Optimism, which is linked to smiling, is associated with longer lifespans. A study found that people with higher levels of optimism have reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and other ailments like cancer. So, smile more for a healthier you. Smiling is also a way to connect. An article by Yale Scientific asserts that the main purpose of smiling is 'to form, sustain, and repair interpersonal relationships.' This non-verbal cue helps us form relationships with those around us. Whether to build new friendships or to establish a professional rapport, remember to put on a smile. A confident smile conveys a sense of trust, helping you leave a lasting impression. Now that's the power of a smile! Bringing back the Filipinos' confident smile Can you imagine losing your precious smile? Unfortunately, this is a challenge faced by many Filipinos—87.4% of which are suffering from tooth decay or dental cavities. A recent study commissioned by Polident, a leader in denture care, also found that 83% of Filipinos who need dentures cannot afford them; 18% of Filipinos do not have access to a dentist; and 72% of employers indicated that missing teeth affect their hiring choices, which sadly puts individuals with dental problems at a disadvantage. With the Oplan Balik Ngiti campaign, Polident Philippines sought to address this dental health gap through free dental consultations and denture education. This is made possible through its partnership with the Philippine Dental Association (PDA), the Philippine Association of Registered Dental Technologists (PARDTI) and trade partners from various drugstore retailers. During its conduct in Taguig last April, the program served over two thousand Filipinos. Participants were guided through a comprehensive dental care hub and underwent a thorough oral examination by volunteer dentists from the PDA. Experts also conducted demonstrations about proper denture care techniques, as well as adhesive application and cleaning routines for long-term denture health. Determined to serve more Filipinos and bring back lost smiles one at a time, Polident Philippines is looking to expand its mission to reach more communities nationwide. Polident is also actively looking for partners in creating pathways to economic opportunities for its program participants. This way, Oplan Balik Ngiti not only addresses the dental care aspect, but also the socioeconomic challenges faced by affected communities. For more information about Oplan Balik Ngiti and other Polident Philippines initiatives, please visit
_2025_02_11_12_58_59.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
GMA Network
4 days ago
- GMA Network
Penis envy? Relax, sexual health doctor says (Plus, tips for the well-endowed)
'I have seen swathes. From giant penises, to average, to small penises. Filipinos are very, very diverse in their sizes. So relax lang, okay?' ('Just relax, okay?') This is the advice a sexual health doctor, or andrologist, has for Filipino men who are concerned about the size of their manhood. According to Dr. Deano Reyes, the medical director of pioneering holistic gender and sexual health clinic Hara Clinic, the average length of an erect Filipino penis is 4.27 inches or about 10.85 centimeters. He should know: Reyes estimates he sees about 20 penises a day in his practice. He adds the average Filipino size is below the global average of five to 5.5 inches or about 13 to 14 centimeters. It may be a blow to Filipino pride, but that's OK because "the average vaginal canal length is also only about seven to ten centimeters, or mga three to four inches lang din siya. So even a 4.27-inch Filipino, you're gonna do the job fine." He adds "the female G-spot is around two centimeters from the opening. Even the prostate if it's [anal sex], the male anal sex G-spot," reassuring men that size is really more about aesthetics. When bigger doesn't necessarily mean better Despite the supposed desirability of bigger penises, Reyes has seen well-endowed patients who have issues related to their size. They may have performance anxiety and feel pressured to perform like a 'sex god.' But being big doesn't necessarily equate to being better in bed. Reyes observes that erectile dysfunction occurs more among men with bigger penises. That's because they need more blood to sustain the full length of their erections. They aren't stiff enough to engage in penetration. On the physical side, there are rare instances where penile fractures occur among men with larger packages. 'Lalo na 'yung mga large penises that are a bit bent or may baliko, kung mali 'yung upo ng partner nila… the sudden trauma… can really rupture the tunica albuginea—meaning 'yung parang muscular part nung the penis, leading to a penile fracture,' Reyes says. ('Especially for large penises that are a bit bent or crooked, if their partner sits on it wrong, the sudden trauma can really rupture the tunica albuginea—meaning the muscular part of the penis, leading to a penile fracture.' The doctor assures patients that this isn't a big deal. They'll be out of commission for a while, but no surgery or splinting is needed. They just have to give their penises a rest and they will heal by themselves. Anti-inflammatories and pain management are also prescribed. 'With great power comes great responsibility' Meanwhile, men bestowed with bigger instruments should know they can cause discomfort or pain, especially when used without care. Women having vaginal sex can experience tearing, while those on the receiving side of anal sex ('bottoms') can suffer from 'fissures, tears, and lacerations.' (Besides, there are heterosexual couples who engage in anal sex, too.) Larger girths can also trigger the partners' gag reflex ('naduduwal'). 'With great power comes great responsibility,' Reyes emphasizes. So his advice? Slow down. 'You're wielding a bigger weapon so you don't want to ram it in. You've got to give your partner's body the time to adjust. Whether it's vaginal or anal, foreplay is not optional for you. It is mandatory,' he says. Second, 'stock up on lube like it's a pandemic essential,' says Reyes. Bigger penises create more friction during penetration, and too much friction can cause pain. Lubricants can help make the slide more slippery. Note that the vagina has its own lubricating mechanism (assuming that the woman is aroused), while the anus does not. This means lubricant is a must-have for anal sex. Silicone-based lubricant is better for anal sex and longer sexual encounters because it doesn't dry up as quickly as water-based lubricant. Therefore there is no need to reapply often. Well-endowed men should also learn their angles and best positions, says Reyes. They should communicate with their partners 'like a king'. Ask what feels right for them and what hurts. Check in with them constantly. Preparing for D(ick)-day You have to know that some men with big dicks have a hard time performing because they are burdened by expectations set by their size. As such, their partners become disappointed because the "big dick energy" they had come to expect is absent. Thus, their size actually makes them insecure. 'And some men really do feel objectified by [their size]. They may feel reduced to their physical attributes, body image issues get correlated,' Reyes says. In many of these cases, the way to address them is through psychology. Helping them have a healthier outlook on sex, changing their mindset, and talking them through their concerns and issues, says Reyes. The goal is for them to approach their sex lives with more confidence. Secondly, preparing for sex with a well-endowed man doesn't happen on the day itself. It can occur even weeks ahead. For one, condoms can be hard to find, as those designed for smaller penises can cause tightness and discomfort in the man. They may even break, therefore compromising the protection they afford against unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Some of Reyes' patients buy their condoms abroad, or order them online. As the sexual encounter begins, the 'insertee' should be relaxed. Foreplay is a must, and this ranges from kissing to oral sex to using fingers and even toys. This is because when the body is tensed up, it will be difficult to accommodate the penis. Don't forget to breathe. Once lubricant has been applied, find the right position. 'Doggy-style or legs-wide missionary go deeper anatomically, so be careful there for your partner,' Reyes says. Again, communication is vital. ''Wag kang mahiya,' Reyes tells the 'insertee'. 'A lot of girls and a lot of bottoms will just keep quiet kasi ayaw nila to wreck the mood. Pero masasaktan ka talaga if you just keep quiet. So it's okay to say what feels good and what doesn't kasi it will really help both of you enjoy in the long run. Kaysa when you start bleeding because of an injury, then na-stop na talaga 'yung sex. Nobody wants that.' ('Don't be shy about it. A lot of girls and a lot of bottoms will just keep quiet because they don't want to wreck the mood. But you will really get hurt if you just keep quiet. So it's okay to say what feels good and what doesn't because it will really help both of you enjoy in the long run. That's better than if you start bleeding because of an injury and you stop having sex altogether. Nobody wants that.') Another practical tip is to start small and build up to the man's size. Insert a finger, then a toy, until the body has adjusted and can take the real thing. But it doesn't end with an orgasm. Aftercare is a key component to a good sexual encounter, says Reyes. It's normal for the partner to feel sore. They can hydrate and apply a warm compress on the area. Women should also urinate after sex to flush out the bacteria. The star of the show A final word from the doctor to well-endowed men (which can also apply to men of all sizes): 'Remember that your dick is not you. It is just a tool. [The] star of the show is actually [you]. And it's not all about the penetration…. Don't forget that there are other parts of the body that can create pleasure. Your hands, your mouth, even just close contact. And yeah, practice makes perfect. Learn to control yourself. Listen to your partner, listen to yourself, and that should be all you need to know.' — LA, GMA Integrated News
