Cebu City is embarking on a major transformation of its public health strategy, shifting from treatment to prevention with two groundbreaking ordinances. The city council has approved measures to provide free annual medical examinations and comprehensive mental health support, specifically targeting thousands of its most vulnerable residents. These ordinances now await the signature of Mayor Nestor Archival to become active policy.
Two Pillars of a Healthier Cebu
The first legislative measure, the Free Annual Medical Check-Up Ordinance, mandates the Cebu City Health Department to offer yearly health assessments. These will be available to senior citizens, women, children, persons with disabilities, the LGBTQIA+ community, and low-income earners. The services are extensive, covering physical examinations, basic laboratory tests for blood sugar and cholesterol, cancer screenings, and reproductive health services like mammograms and Pap smears.
To fund this initiative, the city has allocated an initial P50 million for medical equipment, professional fees, and a digital patient database. Councilor Michelle Abella-Cellona, the principal author, emphasized that investing in prevention is a more cost-effective approach for the city compared to funding expensive treatments for advanced illnesses through existing aid programs.
A Lifeline for Mental Well-being
The second measure, the Comprehensive Mental Health and Wellness Ordinance, establishes a citywide system to combat anxiety and depression. A cornerstone of this system is a 24/7 crisis response center and hotline, accessible by voice call or text message for emergency counseling.
For long-term impact, the ordinance integrates mental health education into school curricula from kindergarten through college, focusing on emotional intelligence and stress management. Furthermore, every barangay will be required to appoint a trained mental health first aider to provide immediate, community-level support.
Accessibility and Accountability
To ensure these services reach the people, the city plans to utilize barangay health centers, mobile clinics, and temporary medical hubs. Residents can schedule appointments online or in person at their local barangay halls.
The ordinances include strict accountability clauses. City personnel or offices that fail to provide these mandated services without valid justification may face administrative sanctions, a provision designed to guarantee the programs' reliability and sustained operation.
Community Impact and National Alignment
This proactive legislative move aligns Cebu City with national laws like the Universal Health Care Act and the Mental Health Act. By framing basic health services as a fundamental right, the city aims to significantly improve residents' overall quality of life.
Successful implementation could reduce the burden on overcrowded public hospitals. Early detection of conditions like high cholesterol or early-stage cancer through free screenings allows for timely intervention, preventing life-threatening complications and costly emergency treatments. The next crucial step is Mayor Archival's approval, which will release the P50 million budget and initiate the recruitment of barangay health workers to bring this vision to life.
