SAN MARCELINO, Zambales — The San Marcelino District Hospital (SMDH) has started accepting patients under the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB), paving the way for patients to receive emergency medical services without being admitted for hospitalization.

The benefits cover various medical conditions such as dizziness, diarrhea, severe headaches, and nontraumatic bleeding, along with essential emergency care services like diagnostic tests, imaging, and medications.

The OECB package was introduced by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) effective January 1 under PhilHealth Circular No. 2024-0033. It includes outpatient services rendered at emergency departments (ED) and accredited healthcare facilities, extending to services before patient arrival, such as transport to the ED.

Under the OECB guidelines, patients discharged within 24 hours of arrival at the ED or those not requiring admission are eligible for coverage.

SMDH is a Level 1 general hospital operated by the Zambales provincial government for residents in the first district of Zambales.

On the other hand, the Candelaria District Hospital (CDH) in the second district of Zambales made its own mark recently when it received an 85.25%, or Very Satisfactory, rating in the Revised Integrated Hospital Operations and Management Program (IHOMP) assessment conducted on June 16 to 27.

The assessment covered management, administration, clinical services, and hospital infrastructure. The CDH was the only medical establishment in Zambales to undergo the evaluation.

The program is designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of hospitals, and aims to improve the quality of healthcare services through better clinical care and management systems. This involves establishing and implementing IHOMP, conforming to the principles of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), and ensuring an organizational culture that supports collaboration and teamwork. 

Meanwhile, the Governor’s Office announced on June 29 the successful cataract operation for 105 senior citizens during a medical mission held at the Ospital ng Sta. Cruz in the northernmost part of Zambales.

The project was undertaken jointly by the Zambales provincial government and the office of Zambales Second District Representative Doris “Bing” Maniquiz. 