Malacañang on Wednesday called on the public to take full advantage of the government’s Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service or BUCAS centers, which provide free laboratory tests and select medical procedures.

The BUCAS initiative is part of the Marcos administration’s push to improve universal health care coverage by reducing out-of-pocket expenses and bringing medical services closer to underserved communities.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said a total of 51 BUCAS centers are now operational across the country as part of the Marcos administration’s efforts to expand access to basic health care services.

“May 51 na pong BUCAS centers. Libreng laboratory services pati po ibang operasyon katulad ng katarata (We now have 51 BUCAS centers nationwide. They offer free laboratory services and procedures like cataract operation),” Castro said.

She said the centers are strategically located throughout the country, with 26 in Luzon, eight in the Visayas, and 17 in Mindanao.

Castro also appealed to the public to support the program to ensure its continued rollout and sustainability.

“Sa mga kababayan po natin, tulungan po natin ang Pangulong Marcos Jr. at administrasyon na mapagpatuloy ang magandang programang ito para sa taumbayan (To our kababayans, let’s help President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his administration to sustain this useful program),” the Palace official said.

The Department of Health is leading the implementation of the program, in coordination with local government units and partner health institutions.

Among the services offered in the BUCAS centers are laboratory tests, tuberculosis screening and management, vaccinations, cancer screening, surgical operations for breast, tumor, and cataracts; consultations for high blood pressure and diabetes, OB-Gyne consultation and services, mental health support, first aid and referral for vehicular crash injuries, nutrition support, dental care, animal bite treatment, and access to medicine through an in-house pharmacy.

The facilities also offer specialized services for senior citizens, such as geriatric care, ENT (ear, nose, throat), orthopedic, and surgical procedures. (PNA)