EMBODYING his vision for a transformative approach to local healthcare, Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, has been instrumental in supporting the establishment of Super Health Center nationwide. These centers are designed to significantly enhance medical services and accessibility for local communities.
One of the latest additions to this initiative is set to serve the community of Isabela, Negros Occidental. Its groundbreaking ceremony took place in Barangay Camp Clark on Wednesday, January 17.
In his video message during the event, Go reiterated his commitment to support the establishment of more Super Health Centers across the country, considering how they can significantly help reduce hospital occupancy rates while bringing government medical services closer to the grassroots.
“It is a significant step towards enhanced healthcare services. ‘Yun po ang layunin ng mga Super Health Centers, ang ilapit sa mamamayan ang serbisyong medikal ng gobyerno,” he said.
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.
Go also confirmed that free consultations would be handled by municipal health offices, local government units, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation through its Konsulta program.
“Patuloy po akong tutulong sa pagpaparami ng Super Health Centers sa bansa sa abot po ng aking makakaya,” said Go.
“Sa mga itinayo ng Super Health Centers, nakita namin kung gaano kalaki ang naitutulong nito sa komunidad lalo na sa rural areas. ‘Yun po ang layunin ng mga Super Health Centers, ang ilapit sa mamamayan ang serbisyong medikal ng gobyerno,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mayor Irene Montilla and Vice Mayor Juan Miguel Montilla expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Go for his instrumental role in the establishment of the new Super Health Center. They mentioned that the development is poised to dramatically enhance healthcare access for over 10 barangays, including four Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA) barangays.
“We’re very happy because this will help over ten barangays,” stated Mayor Montilla, highlighting the widespread impact the center will have on the region.
Echoing the mayor’s sentiments, Vice Mayor Montilla added, “We welcome this new project and are very grateful that we have been part of the beneficiaries of the Super Health Center… of your kindness and your generosity.”
The Super Health Center is an enhanced version of a rural health unit, offering basic health services such as database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation areas, diagnostic services (including laboratory tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds), pharmacy services, and ambulatory surgical units.
Additionally, these centers provide services such as eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, which enables remote diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Through the collective efforts of the DOH led by Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, local government units (LGUs), and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated under the DOH for the construction of 307 Super Health Centers in 2022, 322 in 2023, and 132 in 2024.
DOH, as the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where these Super Health Centers will be established. In Negros Occidental, a total of 31 Super Health Centers are funded.
In his address, Go also took the opportunity to acknowledge local leaders led by Mayor Irene Montilla and Vice Mayor Juan Miguel Montilla for their leadership and dedication to their community.
Go also extended his appreciation to Board Members Rita Gatuslao and Antonio Occeño for their invaluable contributions to the region. The senator also acknowledged the vital role of local health professionals in these challenging times.
Meanwhile, Go’s Malasakit Team also provided food packs and other forms of aid to barangay health workers and some of the residents present during the event.
Go then urged the public to utilize medical and financial assistance from the Malasakit Center located in Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City.
Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount.
Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.
As of now, 159 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to around ten million Filipinos.
“Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” said Go.
Finally, Go also principally sponsored and is one of the authors of the Republic Act No. 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which was signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. on August 24. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals.
Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, aims to deliver enhanced public service to the province as he supported the construction of a revetment, multi-purpose pavement, water system, multi-purpose public facilities, and several road maintenance initiatives in Bacolod City; and the construction of a multi-purpose building and concreting of a local road in the town of Don Salvador Benedicto.
Other initiatives that Go pushed for include the construction of a bridge and multi-purpose buildings in Calatrava and Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental; rehabilitation of a multi-purpose building and road maintenance in Bago City; and the construction of a new infectious diseases wing at the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City.
Go likewise championed the passage of a law, that led to the establishment of the Bacolod City General Hospital, after it was signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2021.
