CATARMAN, Northern Samar – The Northern Samar province-wide health system has made significant strides in its universal health care (UHC) local health system maturity level, reaching 97% completion for its organizational level (Level 2) and showing substantial improvement in its functional level (Level 3).
Dr. Maria Aurora D. Vicencio, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), presented these advancements to Governor Edwin Ongchuan and the Provincial Health Board (PHB) during their recent meeting.
The province’s organizational level (Level 2)—which requires established network-wide guidelines, resources, and management structures—jumped from 72% in January 2024 to 97%.
Meanwhile, its functional level (Level 3), the final stage where systems are fully operational and institutionalized, saw remarkable progress from 5% in January 2024 to 75% in January 2025.
As part of the province’s ongoing healthcare reforms, Dr. Vicencio announced efforts to accredit all 24 Rural Health Units (RHUs) as primary care facilities (PCFs). She expressed optimism that this goal would be met before the end of the year, with only a few facilities awaiting accreditation.
During the same meeting, the PHO reported on the province’s leading notifiable diseases in 2024.
Dr. Ezekiel Valera, PHO Chief Technical Officer, identified rotavirus as the most prevalent category 2 notifiable disease, with 1,094 recorded cases.
The virus, known for being highly contagious, causes symptoms such as fever, stomach pain, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Other top illnesses included dengue, influenza-like illnesses, and acute watery diarrhea.
In response, Governor Ongchuan, as chair of the Provincial Health Board(PHB), directed health officials to intensify preventive measures and urged the public to take proactive steps in combating these diseases. This includes maintaining cleanliness and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds to prevent dengue outbreaks.
The PHO surveillance report serves as a critical guide for the governor and local health officials in shaping health policies and implementing necessary interventions.
The PHB continues to meet regularly to address urgent health concerns and strengthen health initiatives, ensuring a healthier and more resilient Northern Samar.
(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
