GOVPH

Department of Health Regional Office VII leads DOH 1^st National Staff Meeting

The Department of Health spearheaded the 1^st National Staff Meeting last October 20 to 21, 2016 at Negros Oriental Convention Center, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental under the leadership of Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Rosell–Ubial and jointly hosted by the the Department of Health Regional Office VII and Negros Island Regional Office.

Key DOH officials present during the meeting were from EXECOM members composed of Secretary, Under Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries of the DOH, DOH Central Office Directors, Program Managers, Regional Directors, Chiefs of Hospitals, Heads of Attached Agencies, Office of the Secretary Consultants/Davao OSEC staff, Local Chief Executive and some Provincial and Regional Staff and Partners.

The National Staff Meeting was an annual event of the Department of Health key officials, officers and staff; with the purpose of sharing quality health care best practices, discussing and reviewing strategic health policies and operational issues. It also aimed to propose recommendations and actions in addressing issues concerning the DOH, underscoring this year’s theme “Moving Philippine Health Agenda Forward to Attain Sustainable Development Goals.”

One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation of the Philippine Health Agenda (PHA) dubbed as “All for Health towards Health for All” which aimed to implement the three-point goals of President Rodrigo Duterte which are: Financial Protection, Better Health Outcomes and Responsiveness.

Giving her keynote message, Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial articulated the Philippine Health Agenda’s commitment toward attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The implementation of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for the past 15 years has made great strides that made a remarkable health impact to our constituent. Now as we embark on a new administration, the Philippine Health Agenda’s commitment swore to provide quality health care services that are well-deserved by every Filipino most especially to the poor despite the confronted challenges in real time.” 

In addition Sec. Ubial urged the participants in taking part as a catalyst for change and reforming health systems in the advantage of the Filipino people. 

“With renewed commitment, energy and vitality let’s move forward toward a more comprehensive set of goals to further ACHIEVE our Sustainable Development Goal.”

To strengthen the goals of the meeting, other activities including simultaneous open fora, learning sessions and side meetings with Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial together with the DOH Regional Directors, DOH Hospital Chiefs and Mayors were conducted to discuss confronted challenges relative to the health system. Furthermore, the gathering was capped with fellowship night showcasing various talents of Negrenses. (MSD/ICTU/HRA)