SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, widely regarded for his health reforms crusade, lauded the recent signing of four new laws designed to enhance healthcare facilities and services in key provinces across the country.
Being the principal sponsor of these measures as Chairman of the Senate Health Committee, Go emphasized the importance of accessible and quality healthcare for Filipinos, particularly those in underserved areas.
“Hindi po dapat maging hadlang ang kahirapan para makakuha ng maayos na serbisyong pangkalusugan. Sa mga bagong batas na ito, titiyakin nating mas maraming Pilipino ang maaasahan ang tulong ng gobyerno sa oras ng pangangailangan,” Go said.
The newly signed laws include the following:
– Republic Act No. 12068 upgraded the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center in the City of Balanga, Bataan, to a multi-specialty hospital, increasing its bed capacity from 500 to 1,000.
– Republic Act No. 12069 converted the Dr. Catalino Gallego Nava Provincial Hospital in Jordan, Guimaras, into a Level II hospital and renamed it the Dr. Catalino Gallego Nava Medical Center.
– Republic Act No. 12070 established a general hospital in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, to be known as the Victorias City General Hospital.
– Republic Act No. 12071 created a Level III general hospital in Bay, Laguna, to be called the Laguna Regional Hospital.
These legislative measures are expected to address critical gaps in healthcare services, including the availability of hospital beds, specialized treatments, and proximity to medical facilities in remote and densely populated areas.
“Layunin nating mas mapaabot ang serbisyong medikal sa bawat sulok ng bansa,” Go said, noting that the expanded facilities in Bataan and Guimaras will help address the lack of advanced medical services in their respective regions. “Kapag mas malapit ang ospital at mas maganda ang pasilidad, mas maraming buhay ang maililigtas.”
The senator also highlighted the significance of building new facilities like the Victorias City General Hospital and the Laguna Regional Hospital.
“Ang pagtatayo ng mga bagong ospital ay mahalaga, lalo na sa mga lugar na kulang pa rin ang access sa dekalidad na serbisyong medikal. Hindi dapat naghihintay nang matagal o bumibiyahe ng malayo ang ating mga kababayan para lang magpagamot.”
Go has been instrumental in spearheading legislation to improve public healthcare infrastructure. Including the four newly signed laws, his leadership has resulted in the passage of 78 laws aimed at establishing or upgrading hospitals nationwide.
These initiatives, according to Go, align with the goals of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act. He called for continued government investments in public health to ensure that every Filipino can benefit from comprehensive medical services regardless of socioeconomic status.
“Kailangan nating patuloy na palakasin ang ating healthcare system para walang Pilipinong maiiwan. Ang mga bagong ospital at pag-upgrade ng ating mga pasilidad ay hakbang para maabot ang pangarap nating UHC,” he said.
Go urged local governments and hospital administrators to efficiently implement these projects, ensuring that the benefits reach their intended recipients as soon as possible. He also reiterated his readiness to provide additional support for their operational needs.
“Bilang senador at inyong Mr. Malasakit, gagawin ko ang abot ng aking makakaya para masiguro na tuloy-tuloy ang serbisyo medikal para sa ating mga kababayan. Tandaan na ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” Go concluded.
