SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, was invited to join the groundbreaking ceremony of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) Outpatient Services Building on Wednesday, February 19 in Quezon City.
During his speech, Senator Go emphasized the importance of expanding medical facilities to provide better services to Filipinos, particularly those suffering from kidney-related ailments.
“Natutuwa po ako ngayon na matatayo na ang outpatient services building. Para mas maging convenient na sa ating mga pasyente na dito na sila pupunta… This marks another milestone in our continuous efforts to enhance our healthcare system and bring better medical services closer to the people,” Go said.
“My advocacy has always been to prioritize the well-being of every Filipino by ensuring accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare. Nakakatuwa po dahil itong NKTI outpatient services building, mas magiging accessible na po dahil ito ay one-stop shop na po… the establishment of this new building is a step forward in achieving this goal as this facility will not only expand NKTI’s capacity to serve patients but also improve the quality of medical services provided to those in need,” he added.
Additionally, Go reaffirmed his commitment to continue what he has started if given a fresh mandate. “Bilang Chairman ng Committee on Health, patuloy po akong susuporta dito sa NKTI. God willing, kung kaawaan po ako ng Panginoon, pagdating ng panahon, uunahin ko parati ang mga programang makakatulong sa mga mahihirap,” Go expressed.
Senator Go also highlighted his legislative efforts so far aimed at improving healthcare services nationwide, particularly the Malasakit Centers program, a one-stop shop providing medical and financial assistance to indigent patients in public hospitals.
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, there are 167 operational Malasakit Centers across the country, providing aid to over 17 million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH). In Quezon City, there are 11 operational Malasakit Centers.
Furthermore, addressing the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in his speech, Go reminded the agency to uphold their commitments in providing accessible healthcare services to all.
“Marami silang polisiya na kailangan i-review. Dapat sakto lang ang reserve fund ninyo… gamitin ang sobra para mapakinabangan ng publiko. Dapat ibalik sa ating mahihirap na kababayan sa pamamagitan ng maayos na serbisyo at benepisyong pangkalusugan. Dapat ang PhilHealth, hindi negosyo. Ang PhilHealth ay insurance, para meron tayong masasandalan pag nangailangan,” he said.
Currently, PhilHealth has significantly increased its coverage for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) treatment, particularly for kidney transplants. With the coverage exceeding PhP1 million for Living Organ Donor Transplantation and more than PhP2 million for Deceased Organ Donor Transplantation, more Filipinos suffering from CKD will have a greater chance of receiving the medical intervention.
During the event, Senator Go also took the opportunity to acknowledge the presence and support of several key public servants. Among those he recognized were Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte; Dr. Rose Liquete, Executive Director of NKTI; Usec. Achilles Bravo of DOH; and Vice President Walter Bacareza of PhilHealth, among others, for their continued efforts in improving healthcare services.
On the same day, Go attended the Philippine Councilor’s League Northern Samar Seminar Workshop in Paranaque City.
Go ended his speech by assuring the healthcare professionals of his commitments. “Bilang chair ng committee on health, ipaglalaban ko ang kalusugan dahil katumbas ito ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino… bukas po ang aking opisina para sa inyong lahat.”
