Manila, May 15 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday announced plans to establish at least 349 specialty centers before the end of his term in 2028.

"We are targeting 349 specialty centers by the time I leave office in 2028," Marcos said during the inauguration of the Brain and Spine Center of the Cagayan Valley Medical Center (VCMC) in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

Marcos lamented the country's limited number of specialty centers in hospitals.

He said the lack of specialized health services makes it difficult for patients needing urgent medical attention.

He noted that the Covid-19 pandemic exposed the need for more specialty centers.

"Ito yung polisiya na tinaguyod natin nung ako ay umupo bilang Pangulo dahil hindi ko makalimu...