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The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) took an active role in the 5th National Health Sector Meeting, organized by the Department of Health (DOH) on February 25-28, 2025, at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. The event convened key stakeholders from various sectors to discuss and refine strategies under the PuroKalusugan initiative, which aims to strengthen grassroots healthcare delivery across the country.
Representing NCSC, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Dr. Mary Jean Loreche participated in the culminating session on February 28, contributing to the expert panel discussion titled “Pagpapatatag at Pagpapalakas ng mga Hakbangin ng PuroKalusugan para sa 2026-2028.” The commission’s recommendations focused on ensuring the initiative’s sustainability, clarifying the roles of local government units (LGUs), and integrating senior citizen care into the program.
Key Recommendations from NCSC:
1. Strengthening Policy and Legal Framework
NCSC emphasized the need to advocate for legislation that institutionalizes PuroKalusugan to ensure its long-term sustainability. The commission recommended aligning the program with the proposed expansion of the Senior Citizens Community Care Centers (SC3C) to provide specialized healthcare services for the elderly.
2. Clarifying LGU Responsibilities and Financing
To enhance LGU engagement, NCSC proposed defining clear financial commitments and incentives for their participation. A well-structured cost-sharing mechanism between the national and local governments should be established to ensure stable funding and effective program implementation.
3. Expanding Health Workforce Support
The commission highlighted the necessity of a dedicated training program for PuroKalusugan Teams (PKTs) to maintain service quality. It also urged the formation of strategic partnerships with universities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to address potential human resource shortages in the health sector.
4. Enhancing Digitalization Strategy
Recognizing the increasing reliance on digital tools for healthcare monitoring, NCSC underscored the importance of integrating digital health solutions that consider internet connectivity challenges, particularly in rural areas. Additionally, it recommended providing LGUs with technical support to effectively adopt the PuroKalusugan Dashboard for efficient data management.
5. Integrating PuroKalusugan with SC3C
NCSC proposed leveraging synergies between PuroKalusugan and SC3C to ensure that senior-specific healthcare services are incorporated into the initiative. SC3C could adopt relevant PuroKalusugan strategies, such as community health outreach, to enhance service delivery for elderly citizens.
A Vision for Sustainable and Inclusive Healthcare
NCSC reaffirmed that PuroKalusugan is a strong initiative for strengthening grassroots healthcare, but it requires clearer policies, sustainable funding, and seamless integration with existing programs like SC3C. By addressing these key areas, the initiative can maximize its impact and provide accessible and high-quality healthcare services to Filipinos, especially the senior citizen population.
The commission’s contributions to the expert panel are expected to inform the DOH’s roadmap for PuroKalusugan’s implementation from 2026 to 2028.
Through its participation, NCSC reinforced its commitment to advocating for senior citizens’ health and well-being, ensuring that national health programs remain inclusive and responsive to the needs of the aging population.