ISABELA CITY, Basilan(PIA) – The Provincial Government of Basilan recently signed  a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) to enhance healthcare services for Basileños.

The event marked the formalization of a strategic partnership between the Basilan Provincial Health Board and the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) to establish a seamless and efficient linkage in health service provisions, ranging from primary care to tertiary level care. This partnership follows an initial engagement between the two entities on December 31, 2023, where the Provincial Health Office expressed its eagerness to solidify the alliance with ZCMC.

The MOA was signed by Gov. Jim Hataman Salliman, representing the Basilan Provincial Health Board, and Dr. Afdal B. Kunting, Chief  of ZCMC. It was witnessed by key officials and dignitaries, including Dr. Rizaldy L. Piang, Minister of MOH-BARMM; Dr. Joshua G. Brillantes, Regional Director Center for Health and Development;  and Dr. Abdulhalik M. Kasim, Assistant Secretary, MOH-BARMM.

ZCMC has committed to continue extending its services to the people of Basilan through the Basilan Health Care Providers Network. This partnership is expected to significantly improve healthcare accessibility and quality for the residents of Basilan, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for the region.

Salliman is grateful that through this partnership, the residents of Basilan can now look forward to better healthcare services, with improved access to quality care, medical expertise, and advanced treatment options. 

The groundbreaking partnership between the provincial government through the  Basilan Provincial Health Board and ZCMC is a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared commitment to improving the lives of those they serve. As the two entities work together, they will undoubtedly pave the way for a healthier and more prosperous future for the people of Basilan. (RVC/EDT/NDR-PIA Basilan with reports and photos by Chistopher Rey Diaz-PGB IO)