SASMUAN, Pampanga – Riverine and coastal areas of Pampanga gained easy access to medical services starting with the maiden voyage on March 27 of the country’s first ever medical clinic fitted on a barge, the Kalingang Kapampangan Floating Clinic, to Barangay Malusac here.
An initiative of the Provincial Government of Pampanga, the 112-square-meter facility offers a wide range of medical services, including laboratory procedures such as blood extraction, ECG, X-ray, and ultrasound, as well as OB-Gyne consultations, dental and ophthalmology services, minor procedures, and pharmacy support.
Manned by personnel of the provincial health office, it can accommodate up to 100 patients at full capacity.
In every area where it docks, the floating clinic will remain for up to a week—or depending on the number of patients—to ensure the residents’ medical needs are met, especially those hard-to-reach by regular health facilities.
To sustain operations even in the remotest areas, the facility is fitted with a dedicated sewage treatment system and a water pumping unit, ensuring sanitary and sustainable functionality.
On its first mission in Barangay Malusac, some 200 patients availed of the clinic’s services.
Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and Vice Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda were joined by Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Nanay Partylist Rep. Florabel Yatco, PhilHealth Region 3 vice president Atty. Ma. Emily Roque, Department of Health Region 3 director Dr. Corazon, Sasmuan Mayor Lina Cabrera, and Lubao Mayor Esmie Pineda during the blessing and inauguration of the floating clinic.
Punto News Team/Photos: Daniel Ombina-Pampanga PIO
