THE Senate committee chair on health, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, promised to support the Southern Philippines Medical Center's (SPMC) proposed budget for 2024.
During a media interview with the senator at the sidelines of the annual Service Awards of the Southern Philippines Medical Center at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Davao City recently, Sen. Go said he will fight for what is deemed beneficial for the poor.
"Meron na po silang proposed budget, asahan nyo po na ako poy susuporta kung makakatulong pa lalo sa operations ng SPMC," Sen. Go said.
He emphasized that his support for SPMC is because the hospital does not only cater to Dabawenyos but to all residents, especially the poor, of Mindanao island.
Meanwhile, the senator revealed that for this year, the SPMC received a P4.0953 billion budget for its personnel and operations.
“Mas mataas po ito kumpara noong 2022. For infrastructure (SPMC) has P200 million, a slight increase from last 2022’s P181 million,” he said.
In a speech during the event, the senator revealed that SPMC has successfully served more than 212,000 patients from 2019 to mid-2023.
He also urged those who needed medical or hospitalization assistance to visit the Malasakit Center at SPMC.
“Lapitan nyo lang po ang Malasakit Center, may bago siyang building na ininagurahan ni Dr. Audan (SPMC chief), yan po ang aking adbokasiya na ilapit po ang serbisyo medikal para sa ating mga kababayan,” Sen. Go said.
During the event, Go highlighted the accomplishments of the Malasakit Center within the SPMC. The Malasakit Center serves as a one-stop shop for medical or hospitalization assistance, streamlining the process for particularly poor and indigent patients seeking aid.
He also highlighted his unwavering efforts in advocating for increased funding for the hospital, emphasizing the critical importance of providing ample resources to ensure the seamless delivery of accessible and high-quality healthcare.
Go also praised the SPMC for its unwavering commitment to public health and lauded the institution's significant role in the lives of the people it serves especially in Mindanao. CEA WITH PR