MALASAKIT Center, a one-stop shop for government medical assistance designed to help the indigent Filipinos, was launched on Monday, September 24, in Davao City.
The center aims to provide convenience and expedite the delivery of medical services for those who are in need.
Gracing the launching, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said the center is the first in Mindanao. It is located in front of Southern Philippines Medical Center beside the Lingap Center of the City Government.
Since the establishment of the first center in February, it has assisted around 25,000 patients who are seeking medical assistance.
“One of the top priorities of President Rodrigo Duterte is the health of each and every Filipino. The call of our brothers and sisters for assistance in the hospital needs has led the President to issue a directive and enable our office, the Osap (Office of the Specail Assistant to the President), to establish now what we have the Malasakit Centers,” Go said.
Other Malasakit Centers that have been established are located in Cebu, Iloilo, Tacloban, Bacolod, Puerto Princessa, Dumaguete, Maasin, and Manila.
The newly-opened center is seen to help more underprivileged individuals to avail of medical assistance.
Go assured that they will continue the services with an improved system.
"The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop of all government agencies that can help your loved ones with your hospital bills in times of sickness. The process is systematic and your loved ones do not have to go through (arduous process),” Go added.
Unlike before, there will be no more long lines with the installation of a proper queuing system. Individuals will no longer be required to sign up piles of documents just to get financial assistance from different agencies such as Philhealth, Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
The Office of the President has allocated P30 million for a pharmacy fund that can be replenished for the Malasakit Centers.
“I want each Dabawenyo to know that the projects we are pursuing such as establishments of Malasakit Centers means to serve the Filipino person which is why we’ve been looking for possibilities how we can make the services even better to address your needs,” he added.
Go emphasized that those who would go to this center do not have to bring health cards or other requirements. They just have to show up as long as they are Filipinos.