SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go joined the inauguration of the Super Health Center in Victoria, Tarlac on Wednesday, December 13. The center embodies the senator’s vision of equal healthcare opportunities as a fundamental right and marks a crucial step in bringing healthcare services closer to the people.
In his speech, Go expressed his admiration for the notable progress in healthcare in Tarlac, particularly in the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC). He highlighted the importance of UHC and the Super Health Center’s role in providing primary care, a cornerstone of the UHC system.
“Importante po itong UHC. Halimbawa rito, Super Health Center, dito na po mai-implement ‘yung primary care ng UHC,” Go said.
“Ninety percent na pala ang inyong implementation ng Universal Health Care (dito sa Tarlac). Napakataas na rate po ‘yong 90%. Isa po ‘yan o pinakamataas na po na implementation rate ng UHC sa buong Pilipinas,” added Go.
Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early disease detection, further strengthening the healthcare sector in the country, especially in grassroots communities.
Free consultations would be handled by municipal health offices, local government units (LGUs), and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) through its Konsulta program.
Go then stressed the importance of adopting an integrated approach to bolster the nation’s healthcare system. He underlined the need for robust health infrastructure to address healthcare challenges and protect the well-being of the populace, especially in local communities.
“The more we should invest in our healthcare system. Hindi natin akalain na tatamaan tayo ng pandemya. Mas mabuti nang handa tayo sa anumang pandemyang darating sa buhay natin,” said Go.
Super Health Centers offer database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation centers; and telemedicine.
In emphasizing the importance of Super Health Centers, Go highlights that these centers play a crucial role in bridging the gaps in healthcare accessibility, especially in underserved communities. Through the collective efforts of Go, the Department of Health (DOH), LGUs, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023.
“Marami po sa mga kababayan natin sa iba’t ibang sulok ng Pilipinas ang walang sapat na health facilities na makagagamot sa kanilang mga karamdaman. Kaya importante na mailapit natin ang serbisyong medikal mula gobyerno sa mga taong nangangailangan nito,” he stressed.
Aside from Victoria, Super Health Centers were also funded in other areas in Tarlac such as in Gerona, La Paz, Paniqui, San Jose, Mayantoc, Camiling, Capas, Concepcion, Moncada, San Clemente, San Manuel, Sta. Ignacia, and Tarlac City.
The inauguration ceremony was led by several local officials, including Congressman Christian Yap, Governor Susan Yap, Vice Governor Carlito David, Mayor Rex Villa Agustin, Vice Mayor Tristan Reevo Guiam, and Bishop Paul Hernandez, representing Congressman Ron Salo.
Also in attendance were representatives from various sectors, and local leaders such as board members, councilors, barangay chairpersons, health officials, and law enforcement authorities.
Meanwhile, Go encouraged those with health concerns to visit the Tarlac Provincial Hospital in Tarlac City, where a Malasakit Center is operational. He initiated the Malasakit Centers program in 2018, which was later institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.
“Ang Malasakit Center po ay one-stop shop, nasa loob na ho ng hospital ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno – ang DOH, DSWD, PhilHealth, at PCSO. Tutulungan po kayo sa inyong billing,” said Go, who principally authored and sponsored RA 11463.
Malasakit Centers streamline various agencies including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DOH, PhilHealth, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), to help alleviate hospital expenses by covering diverse services and fees. To date, 159 Malasakit Centers are operating nationwide and have assisted around ten million Filipinos according to DOH.
“Lapitan n’yo lang po ang Malasakit Center, para po iyan sa mga Pilipino lalo na sa mga poor and indigent patients. Batas na ‘yan na isinulong ko at pinirmahan ni (dating) pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte noon,” he added.
Another measure that Go pushed for to improve healthcare access in the countryside is RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which he principally sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate. The law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals, showcasing the government’s dedicated efforts to enhance the country’s health infrastructure.
The senator underscored the significance of providing specialized services within regional hospitals. This move aims to ease the challenges faced by patients who have to travel far for specialized procedures.
Go concluded his speech with reflections on life and service. He poignantly remarked, “Tandaan po natin, minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito,” urging everyone to do good in the world.
Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has supported the construction and improvement of roads in Concepcion, Gerona, La Paz, Pura, San Jose, Victoria, and Tarlac City; the improvement of flood control structures along the Moriones River in Tarlac City; and the construction of multipurpose buildings in San Manuel and Victoria.
In addition to attending the Super Health Center inauguration, Go also took the opportunity to inspect the newly constructed evacuation center in the city, the funding for which he advocated for earlier through the help of PAGCOR. He emphasized his commitment to not only enhancing healthcare facilities but also ensuring the community’s preparedness and resilience in the face of emergencies.
