BUTUAN CITY — Residents in several communities can now access essential healthcare closer to home following the formal opening of the Sumilihon District and Main Health Center, the seventh main health center established by the City Government of Butuan. The new facility is expected to serve approximately 16,055 residents from Barangays Sumilihon, Baobaoan, Los Angeles, and Santo Niño. Its establishment strengthens the city’s primary healthcare network by making medical services more accessible while reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for basic and continuing care.
Expanding Essential Health Services
The Sumilihon Main Health Center provides a broad range of programs designed to respond to the health needs of families and individuals in its service area. Its Family Health Services include maternal and child care, adolescent health, and reproductive health services. Residents can also access Oral and Dental Health services, along with programs focused on preventing and controlling communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, diarrheal diseases, sexually transmitted infections, leprosy, and schistosomiasis. By bringing these services to the district level, the facility strengthens the delivery of promotive, preventive, curative, and referral care. This supports the city’s efforts to advance Universal Health Care by making essential services more accessible within local communities.
Building a Connected Citywide Health Network
The opening of the Sumilihon facility forms part of Butuan City’s broader plan to establish 14 main health centers throughout the city. Before the newest facility opened, six main health centers were already operating in Barangays Bilay, Dulag, Ampayon, Obrero, Libertad, and Baan. Together, these facilities form an important part of the city’s primary care system. Butuan’s Citywide Health System connects barangay health stations, district health centers, primary care facilities, and hospitals through an integrated network. Primary Care Provider Networks further help link residents with the healthcare provider nearest to them. Through this setup, patients can move through a more coordinated continuum of care, from barangay health stations to main health centers and, when needed, to facilities capable of providing higher-level medical services.
Bringing Healthcare Closer to Every Butuanon
The development of the Sumilihon Main Health Center reflects the city government’s continuing efforts to create a healthier and more resilient Butuan. Expanding primary care facilities and strengthening referral mechanisms help make quality healthcare more accessible across different communities. The city’s healthcare network is also supported by partnerships with private hospitals and regional medical facilities, while the PhilHealth YAKAP program provides additional support to help patients sustain their healthcare needs. With its seventh main health center now serving the community, Butuan City continues to expand its commitment to bringing essential medical services closer to residents and making accessible healthcare a more consistent reality for every Butuanon.
