Bong Go highlights urgency of operationalizing health facilities in the grassroots: ‘Huwag hayaang nakatiwangwang at hindi mapakinabangan ng taumbayan!’

Bong Go highlights urgency of operationalizing health facilities in the grassroots: ‘Huwag hayaang nakatiwangwang at hindi mapakinabangan ng taumbayan!’

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, has emphasized the importance of efficient fund utilization and the timely completion of health facility projects especially in communities. During a recent public hearing, discussions centered on the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), with updates provided by the Department of Health (DOH).

“Update lang po sa utilization ng HFEP po ninyo DOH since this year. Magkano ba ang funding allocation for HFEP for 2025? At sa inyong 2024, kumusta na po ang inyong utilization or I mean completion ng mga projects under HFEP?” Senator Go inquired, seeking clarity on the current state of HFEP projects.

DOH Undersecretary Emmie Liza Perez-Chiong responded, stating, “Mr. Chair, our HFEP budget for 2025 amounts to PhP 35 billion. And for the HFEP of 2024, we are 64% obligated. So, under implementation po siya as of this time. And hopefully, we increase the disbursement ngayong first quarter of the year, Mr. Chair.”

Senator Go expressed concerns about past reports of delays, incomplete projects, and issues with contractors.

“Paki-check lang po muli… ‘Yung mga na-report the past months. ‘Yung ‘di pa natatapos, kulang pa, mabagal ‘yung construction at ‘yung iba. Merong behind sa mga nagtrabaho… So sabi n’yo, during the last hearing, ay titingnan n’yo po ito na ‘yung may mga delays na trabaho at dapat matapos dahil ayaw natin maging white elephant ito.” 

He stressed the importance of ensuring that health facilities are operational as soon as possible. “Ang objective ng ating mga facilities dapat ay to make it operational immediately or very soonest. Dapat po, mapakinabangan po na ito ng mga pasyente,” said Go.

“And aside from that, paano magiging operational ito kung walang equipment at personnel? Ano ba ang balak ng DOH dito sa mga health centers na kulang ‘yung personnel at kulang ‘yung mga equipment? Binibigyan n’yo ba ito ng prayoridad sa ngayon to make it operational at hindi po nakatiwangwang at magingn white elephant?” he queried.

Undersecretary Perez-Chiong assured the committee of the DOH’s commitment to ensuring that health facilities are fully functional and operational. She explained that their primary objective is to support existing structures in obtaining the necessary licenses to become fully operational.

Perez-Chiong also highlighted that this effort has become the department’s guiding principle, noting that a percentage of these facilities currently lack licenses due to specific requirements that still need to be addressed.

Senator Go also pointed out concerns about construction delays caused by contractor blacklisting and re-bidding processes. He urged the DOH to address these issues swiftly in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“Since meron kayong MOA, I mean, with the DPWH para mas papabilis ‘yung construction paki-check naman po kasi na ‘yung report nga po na last hearing meron sa Agusan del Norte na na-blacklist, kaya na-rebid. So it will cause some delays na naman po ‘pag gano’n.” 

Additionally, Senator Go highlighted the potential for e-Konsulta programs to expand healthcare access through Super Health Centers being constructed once operational.

“Plano talagang i-accredit itong mga Super Health Centers with the e-Konsulta program ng PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation) para mas mapaigting pa at mas mapalawak pa ‘yung access ng e-Konsulta program po ng PhilHealth through Super Health Centers. Paki-tutukan lang po nito,“ Go urged.

He urged the DOH and PhilHealth to expedite accreditation in underserved areas, emphasizing the importance of nationwide equity. “We need to ensure that no Filipino is left behind. Kung ano ang meron sa Luzon, dapat meron din sa Visayas at Mindanao.”

 

 

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