SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, together with fellow Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, attended the 59th Annual Convention of the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists Inc. (PAMET) at Manila Hotel in Manila City on Tuesday, December 5.
Consistent with efforts toward modernizing the practice of medical technology in the country, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, highlighted his commitment to advancing the healthcare sector and his dedication to bringing medical services closer to the Filipino people.
“As your chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, I am humbled by the opportunity to address such a dedicated and passionate group of professionals who play a crucial role in the healthcare system of our country,” Go remarked.
“In the spirit of unity and collaboration, I would like to express my sincere commitment to the country’s health sector. I firmly believe that a healthy nation is a prosperous nation, and it is through the collaborative efforts of organizations like PAMET, that we can achieve a robust and efficient healthcare system,” he added.
Go recently filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2503 or the New Medical Technology Act. The proposed legislation aims to bring about significant changes to the practice of medical technology, with a particular focus on the welfare of medical technologists. If passed, SBN 2503 would raise the entry-level salary grade of medical technologists working in the government.
“Magkokonsulta po kami during the hearing, tatanungin po namin kung ano po ang version na inyong gusto at makatutulong po na maisulong po ‘yung naaayon po sa panahon ngayon. Kasi 2023 na tayo, napakatagal na po ng inyong MedTech law at dapat po ay i-amend na po ito,” Go cited.
“As we continue our journey towards a healthier Philippines, let us stand united in our commitment to providing accessible and quality healthcare for all. Thank you for your dedication, and I look forward to working hand in hand with PAMET and other stakeholders to realize our shared vision of a healthier and more prosperous nation,” he added.
The senator emphasized the importance of recognizing the vital role played by medical technologists in the healthcare system. His support for them seeks to acknowledge their expertise, dedication, and the critical role they play in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of medical diagnoses and laboratory results, among others.
“Hindi po ako pulitiko na mangangako sa inyo. Magtatrabaho lang po ako para sa Pilipino sa abot po ng aking makakaya… At masaya po akong naimbitahan dito dahil anak ko po mismo ay 3rd year student ng Med Tech. So malapit po sa puso ko ang mga med techs,” he said, as his team also gave tokens to 800 medical technologists in attendance.
In 2019, the lawmaker was also instrumental in the enactment of Republic Act No. 11466 or the Salary Standardization Law 5 (SSL 5) as one of its authors and co-sponsors in the Senate. The measure provides all civilian government employees, including medical professionals working in the public sector, increased salaries broken down in tranches.
Building on this, Go also recently filed Senate bill No. 2504 which proposes another salary increase for government employees. If enacted, this will be Salary Standardization Law 6.
Moreover, Go is one of the authors and co-sponsors in the Senate of RA 11712, which grants benefits and allowances to healthcare workers during public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. He continues to appeal to the executive to release the pending health emergency allowances still due to qualified healthcare workers.
“Nakikiusap po ako sa ating DOH at DBM, obligasyon po ito ng gobyerno. Pinapaalalahanan ko lang po kayo, kayo po ang implementing arm ng gobyerno, ang DOH at DBM. Sana maibigay po what is due to our healthcare workers,” urged Go.
Furthermore, Go highlighted his commitment to improving the overall health sector in the Philippines. He highlighted his initiatives such as the Malasakit Centers program, which aims to provide accessible and quality healthcare services to all Filipinos.
A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program was institutionalized under RA 11463, where indigent patients can more conveniently get medical assistance from the government. There are now 159 operational Malasakit Centers nationwide with around ten million Filipinos already having benefitted from the program, according to a report of the Department of Health.
Additionally, Go continues to support the establishment of more Super Health Centers to bring primary care, medical consultations and early disease detection closer to communities. Through the collective efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers and local government units, sufficient funds have been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 Super Health Centers in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies strategic areas where these centers will be built.
Meanwhile, Go also principally sponsored and is one of the authors of the RA 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which was signed into law on August 24. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing Department of Health (DOH) regional hospitals. It stands as a testament to the commitment of the government to uplift the nation’s health infrastructure.
Go also took the opportunity to commend Sen. JV Ejercito who served as Senate Health Committee Chair before him for his efforts in advancing healthcare.
“Si Sen. JV Ejercito po siya yung principal sponsor ng RA 11223, ito po yung Universal Health Care Law in the 18th Congress. Napakaimportante po nitong UHC na ito. Hindi po maisasakatuparan yung aking ipinasang bills, itong Malasakit Center, ito pong mga Specialty Center kung hindi po sa bill na ito. Ang challenges po nito ay napakarami, pero magtutulungan po kami ni Sen. JV na maisakatuparan po itong (UHC),” he said.
On the same day, Go also attended the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines (PBMLP) Region 8 Year End Activity and Christmas Party at Hilton Manila.
