The new Super Health Center in Dagupan City is catering to the medical needs of the five eastern villages of the city for free.

“This facility will provide services like dental, laboratory, X-ray, birthing facility, and other medical services complementing our existing primary care facilities of Dagupan City. The center aims to make basic medical services accessible to the communities so that they do not have to go and line up in hospitals,” Department of Health Ilocos Region director Paula Paz Sydiongco said in a statement on Monday.

The health hub has a birthing area or delivery room, minor operating or surgical room, dental, laboratory, pharmacy, tuberculosis directly observed therapy and other out-patient services.

The center in Barangay Bolosan Dagupan City benefits other eastern villages — Salisay, Mangin, Tebeng, Tambac, and Mamalingling.

Construction of the center began in February 2023 and was completed on May 16 this year. It was inaugurated on Aug. 3 this year.

The facility was funded through the DOH Health Facility and Enhancement Program 2021 with a PHP16 million budget.

The access road going to the facility was donated by philanthropist Dr. Ashok Vasandani.

Mayor Belen Fernandez, on her social media page, thanked the national government for the center as it provides free medical services to city residents.

Regina Martin of Barangay Mamalingling said the facility is beneficial to them since they would be able to avail free medical services that are near their place.

“May 15 to 20 minutes ang byahe sa pinakamalapit na ospital na government, sa Region 1 Medical Center. Pero syempre madami laging pasyente din doon dahil regional hospital iyon kaya malaking tulong itong center (The nearest government hospital, the Region 1 Medical Center, is around 15 to 20 minutes. And since its a regional hospital there are lots of patients that’s why this facility is a big help),” she said.

The other Super Health Centers in Pangasinan are in Alaminos City, Asingan, Balungao, Basista, Binalaonan, Manaoag, Mapandan, Tayug, and Umingan towns. (PNA)