CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- In his aim of providing quality free medical assistance to Filipinos, former Special Assistant to the President and now senatorial bet Christopher Lawrence ”Bong” Go vowed to establish more “Malasakit Centers” across the country.
After the launching of at least 20 Malasakit Centers in different health institutions in the country from 2018 to date, Go cited the effectivity of the program in helping marginalized patients.
The Malasakit Center program, initiated by Go under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, is a one-stop shop established in public hospitals to hasten the delivery of free medical services to indigent patients.
The center is staffed by representatives from Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and other government agencies.
The centers help ease the process for patients availing medical and financial assistance from the government.
“We are eyeing the establishment of more Malasakit Centers especially on key health institutions and strategic areas in the country to be able to provide assistance to our fellow Filipinos who most need of help. In this way, we hope to instill to every Filipino that health care is not only for the rich, but a priority for everybody,” he said.
Among the areas eyed by Go for the next Malasakit Centers are in Visayas, Mindanao and other key places in Luzon that are easily accessible to and have complete medical facilities to treat patients.
If given a seat in the senate, Go said he will push for an enactment of law institutionalizing the Malasakit Centers which have been beneficial in treating and saving the lives of ailing poor Filipino patients.
“Once institutionalized, Filipinos can be assured of the quick access to quality but free medical programs even when President Duterte steps down of his post in 2022,” Go said.