Amid the growing number of Filipinos needing medical attention due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go urged the people to maximize the medical and financial assistance programs from the government through the Malasakit Centers.
In an interview, Go said families may seek assistance from these centers even if one of them has already availed of their services.
“Just remember this: If you are a Filipino, you are qualified in a Malasakit Center. No questions will be asked, especially for the poor and indigent patients. Malasakit Centers are found in public hospitals,” he said in Filipino.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where Filipinos can avail of financial and medical assistance from four agencies of the government, namely the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
President Duterte signed on December 3, 2019 the law which mandates its establishment in every DOH-run hospital throughout the country.
Go said there are now 102 Malasakit Centers all over the country, with the recent one launched at the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center in Angeles City, Pampanga last March 4.
Over two million Filipinos have applied for medical assistance for their hospital bills and other health-related needs, he said.
Other public hospitals may also establish their own centers, provided that they meet the criteria to guarantee sustainability of their operations, he said.
“You do not have to go around the different offices to get medical assistance. The agencies are now in one room inside the hospital to help you,” Go told the public.