JOHN Lazaro never expected that a racing heartbeat would change his life. At 26, he had always been active, juggling work and personal responsibilities in Parañaque City. But on October 28, 2024, he collapsed, his heart pounding in his chest, his vision blurring and was brought to the Hospital.
“Ako po ay na-diagnose ng paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia noong October 28, 2024. At isa sa mga natulungan ng Malasakit Center,” he said, recounting the moment his world shifted.
In the hospital, doctors administered adenosine, a critical drug that could stabilize his heartbeat. The price of a single dose was staggering, and John needed it immediately. His family, unprepared for such a medical crisis, feared the inevitable financial strain. But as panic set in, hospital staff directed them to the Malasakit Center, a facility designed to assist indigent patients with their hospital expenses.
“Bago ako ma-admit sa ospital, tinurukan ako ng mga gamot like adenosine na sinagot din ng Malasakit Center. Because ‘yung adenosine ay ‘yung mahal na gamot,” he said. The assistance did not end there.
“After that, hindi lang ‘yung gamot ang natulong sa akin din ng Malasakit Center, kundi ‘yung mga laboratory ko din, sila din ‘yung sumagot. And even the rest of the bill ng ospital. So, nung paglabas ko sa hospital, wala kami nilabas na pera na kahit ano… Malasakit Center po ang sumagot ng bill ko sa hospital,” he said.
Without this assistance, John and his family would have faced insurmountable debt. The weight of medical costs can often push families into financial ruin, but for John, the health reforms crusade led by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go meant that he could focus on recovery rather than debt.
Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops aiming to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. Senator Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 (RA 11463), also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.
As of now, 167 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The Department of Health (DOH) reports that the program has provided aid to more than 17 million Filipinos.
“‘Pag narinig ko po ang pangalang Senator Bong Go, ang pumapasok po sa isip ko ay Mr. Malasakit. Na-witness ko rin kung paano n’ya tulungan ‘yung mga mahihirap before, especially nung COVID. At lumaganap din talaga ang Malasakit Center dahil sa kanya, dahil gusto n’ya tulungan ‘yung mga mamamayan nating mahihirap din. Isa ko sa mga nag-benefit noon. At ito ako ngayon, dahil do’n, buhay pa rin,” he shared.
Beyond his gratitude, John hoped that more people would benefit from the same assistance he received. His own journey—from emergency admission to discharge without a single peso spent—was a testament to the importance of expanding healthcare access to those in need.
The fight to make healthcare accessible is far from over. With rising medical costs and the persistent struggles of indigent patients, Malasakit Centers continue to serve as a bridge between urgent healthcare and financial accessibility.
John’s message to Senator Go was simple yet profound: “Maraming salamat, Sen. Bong Go dahil isa ako sa mga natulungan mo. ‘Pagpatuloy mo lang po ‘yung maganda n’yong hangarin para po sa ating bansa, patuloy po kayong tumulong sa mga Pilipino,” Johd said.
“Dumami sana at lumaganap pa ang Malasakit Center sa bansa,” he added.
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