The Department of Health (DOH) lauded the Provincial Government of Pampanga for prioritizing mental health through psychiatric intervention programs.

On May 22, the provincial government conducted a medical mission for psychiatric patients and violence against women (VAW) desk officers as part of the “Alagang Nanay Preventive Health Care Program” of Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda  at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center.  A total of 1,191 patients received free checkups and medications, with support from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and the DOH.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Alam nyo po itong ginagawa dito sa probinsya ng Pampanga ay kahanga-hanga nakarinig na ho ba kayo ng alin man sa buong bansa na gumagawa po ng medical mission para po masigurado na maayos ang ating mental health? Nandito po tayong lahat ngayon para bigyang halaga ng pagkakaroon po ng tamang kaisipan. alam po ba natin na walang good health without mental health.”

Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda emphasized the need to care for all Kapampangans, especially those with mental disabilities, to show them and their families that they are valued and supported.

 “Nagkaroon ng programa ang department of health na libre ang gamot so ginawa ko na lahat nilikom natin kasi lahat ng may sakit na ganito mahirap lang. kaya sabi ko nga sa DOH dapat walang maiiwan lalo na yung mga may problema sa pag-iisip,” said the  Vice Governor.

Each beneficiary also received a P3,000 cash payout from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and take-home food packs from the Capitol.

The event was also attended by provincial board members, and representatives from  Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PWSDO), General Services Office (GSO) and various government agencies.