Malacañang on Wednesday encouraged the public to take full advantage of the government’s Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers, which provide free laboratory tests and select medical procedures.
The initiative aims to enhance universal health care coverage by minimizing out-of-pocket costs and improving access to medical services, especially in underserved communities.
In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said 51 BUCAS centers are now operational nationwide.
“May 51 na pong BUCAS centers. Libreng laboratory services pati po ibang operasyon katulad ng katarata,” she said.
According to Castro, 26 centers are in Luzon, eight in the Visayas, and 17 in Mindanao.
She appealed for public support to ensure the program’s sustainability.
“Sa mga kababayan po natin, tulungan po natin ang Pangulong Marcos Jr. at administrasyon na mapagpatuloy ang magandang programang ito para sa taumbayan,” she said.
Led by the Department of Health, in coordination with LGUs and partner health institutions, BUCAS centers offer services such as laboratory tests, tuberculosis screening, vaccinations, cancer screening, cataract and tumor operations, OB-Gyne services, mental health support, nutrition and dental care, animal bite treatment, and access to medicines.
Specialized services for senior citizens, including geriatric care, ENT, orthopedic consultations, and surgical procedures, are also available.