AS the Malasakit Centers initiative spearheaded by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go celebrates its sixth anniversary this February, its significance in enhancing healthcare accessibility for Filipinos cannot be overstated.
The initiative has profoundly impacted many lives, including Ruchel Serojehos, a 34-year-old from Caloocan City, whose encounter with the Malasakit Center underscores the vital support it provides to those in dire need of medical assistance.
Ruchel’s journey began with a concerning symptom: “‘Yung mata ko parang nangangalay,” she explained, leading her to seek medical advice.
The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism came as a shock, especially since Ruchel led a healthy lifestyle devoid of any vices.
“Pinag-maintenance lang ako ng gamot. Ayoko magpagamot kasi iniisip natin ‘yung gastos,” she shared.
The recommendation to visit a Malasakit Center offered a glimmer of hope. “May nakapag-refer sa akin na doon daw ako pumunta sa Jose Reyes (Memorial Medical Center) sa hospital ngayon kasi libre daw lahat. Lakarin ko daw sa Malasakit (Center),” Ruchel recounted.
The Malasakit Center’s holistic approach, which integrates services from various government agencies, significantly alleviated her concerns about healthcare expenses.
Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and 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.
Currently, 159 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to around ten million Filipinos.
Go’s reflections on the inception and mission of the Malasakit Centers echo the sentiments of those it has aided.
“Nalulungkot po ako tuwing naririnig ko ‘yung mga mahirap nating kababayan, ayaw magpa-hospital dahil takot po sa babayaran. Huwag po kayong ganun. Tutulungan po namin kayo sa abot ng aming makakaya,” he emphasized, shedding light on the initiative’s core objective to remove financial barriers in healthcare access.
Ruchel’s story is a testament to the transformative impact of the Malasakit Centers, offering more than just medical assistance—they provide a safety net for Filipinos, ensuring that no one is left behind in receiving healthcare due to financial constraints.
“Salamat po, Senator Bong Go. Wala kaming sapat na pera pambayad sa hospital namin. Kaya ‘yun malaking tulong (ang Malasakit Center). Salamat po, Senator Bong Go,” Ruchel expressed her heartfelt gratitude, encapsulating the sentiment of many who have been supported by this initiative.
Through the personal stories of beneficiaries like Ruchel, the initiative’s profound impact on individual lives and communities is vividly brought to life, highlighting its indispensable role in the country’s healthcare system.
