SASMUAN, Pampanga — The Provincial Government of Pampanga, led by Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, officially launched the country’s first floating clinic, dubbed the “Kalingang Kapampangan Floating Clinic,” on March 19 in Barangay Malusac, Sasmuan.
The initiative aims to bring essential healthcare services closer to Kapampangans living in coastal and hard-to-reach areas, particularly those facing transportation and economic challenges.
The launch was attended by key officials and partners, including Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, Department of Health Regional Director Dr. Corazon I. Flores, PhilHealth Acting Vice President Atty. Ma. Emily P. Roque, Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Director Venus F. Rebuldela, and Sasmuan Mayor Catalina F. Cabrera.
Also referred to as a “clinic-on-barge,” the floating facility is part of the province’s Alagang Nanay Preventive Healthcare Program. The 112-square-foot mobile clinic is designed to serve more than 200 patients and is equipped to provide a wide range of primary healthcare services.
These include medical, surgical, pediatric, ophthalmology, and obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) consultations, as well as minor surgical procedures, dental services such as tooth extraction, laboratory testing, chest X-rays, ultrasound, and electrocardiogram (ECG).
Governor Pineda and Vice Governor Pineda highlighted the potential expansion of services through the establishment of a PhilHealth GAMOT pharmacy within the floating clinic to further enhance access to medicines and healthcare support for Kapampangans.
PhilHealth Acting Vice President Roque affirmed the agency’s support for the provincial government’s healthcare initiatives, emphasizing its commitment to expanding health benefits and services for communities across Pampanga.
The floating clinic underscores the province’s continued efforts to deliver inclusive and accessible healthcare, particularly to underserved and geographically isolated populations. (Monifer S. Bansil, PhilHealth 3-Head-Public Affairs Unit)