BOTOLAN, Zambales (PIA) -- About 1,700 Zambaleños received free laboratory tests, consultations and medicines during the Laboratoryo, Konsulta, at Gamot para sa Lahat (LAB for All) caravan that was held at Botolan People’s Plaza on July 18.

This is an initiative of First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos, in partnership with Department of Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Commission on Higher Education, Food and Drug Administration, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the provincial government of Zambales. 

In her message, the First Lady highlighted the Marcos administration’s commitment to provide accessible primary care services to the people.

“My husband said we must bring health services closer to the people and not wait for them to come. That is how the LAB for All project began. What we are trying to do in our little ways is to bring medical services, consultations, and medications closer to all of you,” she said.

For his part, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa explained that Lab for All will bridge the gap of health disparities, by bringing health services closer to people -- providing a glimmer of hope for the Filipino people -- a step towards the realization of Universal Health Care (UHC). 

He added that it is one of the government’s efforts towards the realization of UHC that will guarantee that all Filipinos have equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare services as well as protection from financial risk.

Meanwhile, Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. thanked the First Lady for starting the Lab for All Project this year and for helping the people of the province.

Likewise, 23-year-old beneficiary Annie Cosme from Botolan town expressed her gratitude for bringing Lab for All in Zambales. 

“Nagpapasalamat po ako kay First Lady Marcos kasi malaking tulong po ito sa akin, sa aming mga taga Zambales na dumating sila dito upang magbigay ng tulong sa amin halimbawa yung food pack, sa medicine po nila. Maraming salamat po talaga,” Cosme said. 

Aside from free laboratory tests, consultations and medicines, the beneficiaries also received family food packs and financial assistance from DSWD. 

Zambales is the fourth province in Central Luzon to benefit from the medical mission after Tarlac, Pampanga, and Bulacan. (CLJD/JLDC-PIA 3)