E. Samar gov urges closer coordination to boost healthcare delivery

TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Samar Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone has called for closer cooperation among mayors, health officials and other stakeholders to overcome the province’s geographic and financial challenges in delivering quality healthcare to its residents.

Speaking during the 2026 Universal Health Care Summit held on Friday, July 24, Evardone said the full implementation of the Universal Health Care Act remains a challenge in Eastern Samar, where many communities are located in remote mountainous areas and islands and where several local government units have limited financial resources.

He said the province’s geography continues to complicate the delivery of medical services, while smaller municipalities and barangays often lack the fiscal capacity to independently meet the healthcare requirements under the law.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Part of UHC is having a unified system and strengthening our local government units’ efforts for preventive measures so that we can address common illnesses that Filipinos encounter,” Evardone said.

The governor stressed that a coordinated healthcare system, particularly in preventive medicine, primary care and patient referrals, is necessary to ensure that residents receive timely medical attention regardless of where they live.

“It is very important for us now, and I’m very happy that the municipal mayors are here so that we can have a direction for the province. We have a better referral system, we have better coordination with our local health units so that we can ensure that every Estehanon will have access to quality healthcare,” he said.

To strengthen the province’s healthcare system, the provincial government is undertaking a major rehabilitation of the Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital with a budget of P500 million.

It has also secured an additional P176 million for essential medical supplies, drugs and medicines for district hospitals.

Article continues after this advertisement

Evardone said the provincial government is likewise increasing baseline funding for local medical facilities while seeking additional financial support from the Department of Health.

He urged mayors, doctors and other health stakeholders to share best practices and adopt strategies discussed during the summit to improve primary healthcare delivery and strengthen referral networks throughout the province.

Article continues after this advertisement

The push for a more integrated healthcare system comes as Eastern Samar continues to face the challenge of providing essential services to geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities, making coordination among local governments and health facilities critical to the effective implementation of universal healthcare.