Thousands of residents in Botolan, Zambales on Tuesday availed of free medical consultations and services with the launching of the “Lab for All” project on Tuesday.

The project was initiated by First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos in an effort to bring free medical consultations, laboratory services and distribution of medicines to the communities.

Dr. Noel Bueno, chief of the Provincial Health Office-Zambales, said that some 1,500 target beneficiaries were provided with various medical services such as eye checkup, chest X-ray, ultrasound as well as laboratory tests like blood chemistry, hematology and some minor surgeries.

Bueno said that essential medicines and vitamins were likewise distributed in the event which is a collaborative effort of different government agencies such as the Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Health Insurance Corp., Department of Social Welfare and Development, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and Commission on Higher Education.

Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. thanked the First Lady and the various concerned agencies for giving free medical services to the people in Zambales.

“Maraming, maraming salamat sa “Lab for All’ handog ni First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos at hindi po magiging matagumpay ang isinasagawang programa kung wala ang mga katuwang na ahensya para sa proyektong ito (Thank you for the “Lab for All” project of First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and this program will not be successful without the partner agencies for this project),” Ebdane said.

Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa, who graced the event, said the “Lab for All” caravan will bridge the gap of health disparities by bringing health services closer to people which is a step towards the realization of Universal Health Care (UHC).

“The “Lab for All” initiative is one of the government’s efforts towards the realization of Universal Health Care that will guarantee that all Filipinos have equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare goods and services as well as protection from financial risk,” Herbosa said.

On the other hand, Health Undersecretary Enrique Tayag said that the DOH supports the “Lab for All” caravan which promotes primary healthcare services in the communities.

“This program unites different national agencies and local government units towards a common purpose of advocating for a “Healthy Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay Mahalaga tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas,” Tayag said. (PNA)