SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go has reaffirmed his commitment to champion healthcare access in the grassroots level during the turnover of a “super health center” in Malapatan, Sarangani province during the weekend.
Go, who is the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, said the super health center in Barangay Lun Padidu will bring basic healthcare services to the residents by bridging the gap between rural health units and hospitals.
The Malapatan Super Health Center is one of six such centers to be built in Sarangani province through the collaboration of Go and other lawmakers, the Department of Health (DOH), and local government units (LGUs). There are more than 700 super health centers nationwide.
Super health centers focus on primary healthcare, consultation services, and early disease detection to reduce strain on larger hospitals. Municipal health offices, LGUs, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), through its “Konsulta” (consultation) program provide free consultations at these centers.
“Patuloy po akong tutulong sa pagpaparami ng super health centers sa bansa sa abot po ng aking makakaya (I will continue to support the establishment of more super health centers nationwide),” Go said during the turnover ceremonies.
At the same time, he reminded residents that they can also seek medical-related financial assistance from Malasakit Centers in the region, including those at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital in Isulan town, Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in General Santos City, South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City, Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Kidapawan City, and SOCCKSARGEN General Hospital in Surallah.
Malasakit Centers are designed as one-stop shops to assist poor patients in reducing their hospital expenses.
Go was the principal author of RA 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. There are currently 167 Malasakit Centers which have so far benefitted more than 17 million Filipinos nationwide. Go is seeking reelection under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan party.
