A party-list congressman has urged the government to install world-class equipment in hospitals located in areas frequented by tourists.
AnaKalusugan Rep. Ray Reyes, vice chair of the Committee on Health, made the suggestion as he noted that despite the growing number of local and foreign tourists in the country, most of the tourist areas lack a complete medical facility.
“Our goal should be to enhance the overall tourist experience in our country and one of our priorities should be increased investment in safety, health and social services,” Reyes said in a statement.
He said it is about time that the Department of Health allocate additional funds for hospitals in tourist areas.
“All of us have encountered stories where a tourist caught in a medical emergency would have to be transported outside of a tourist area just to get proper medical attention,” he said.
“If we want to further boost our tourism initiatives, it is imperative that we put more investment in our healthcare system,” he added.
Reyes made the appeal to the government as he observes especially during the Holy Week rush when AnaKalusugan Party-list set up first aid stations to help weary travelers.
In Bulacan province alone, in several locations in the municipality of Santa Maria and in the city of San Jose del Monte, Reyes said they were able to assist more than 3,000 people by giving emergency care and providing snacks and water.
Aside from providing medical assistance during the Holy Week, AnaKalusugan Party-list said that they will continue to promote health and safety during this summer season.
Reyes vowed to push for more legislation that will bring health services closer to the people and commuties by providing them a “Medical services should be accessible, and we will continue to push
for legislation that would allocate more funds to bring health services closer to the people and communities,” he added.