By Kathrina Antonio

Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary, visits Mariano Marcos State University on May 28, to talk about the potential establishment of a Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) Center at the MMSU College of Medicine’s (COM) Primary Care Clinic.

As a critical component of DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa's "28 for 28 by 28" agenda, the BUCAS Center aims to transform primary care in the country and targets establishing 28 BUCAS centers by 2028.

Dr. Singh-Vergeire, who oversees health facilities and services, was warmly welcomed by MMSU President Dr. Shirley Agrupis, Dr. Policarpio Joves Jr., COM dean, Dr. James Patrick Peralta, COM associate dean, and other key university officials. Dr. Singh-Vergeire visited various laboratories and facilities at COM.

According to Dr. Joves, the proposed center will not only bridge the gap between the university-based facility and Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMH-MC) but will also provide a learning environment conducive to interprofessional education.
Meanwhile, Dr. Singh-Vergeire reiterated that the approval of the BUCAS Center at MMSU COM will still undergo several phases and approvals. Considering COM's facilities, she suggested that MMSU can also build its own hospital.

COM faculty members and staff from the Department of Health and Mariano Marcos Memorial Health and Medical Center were also present at the event.