Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Monday lauded the Department of Health (DOH) for its initiative to launch the “Basic Kalinga Kit” for COVID-19 patients which is a crucial move to prevent the country’s healthcare system from being overwhelmed.
“Salamat po sa DOH at sa private sector dahil napakalaking bagay po talaga itong naging inisyatibo ng DOH lalo na po para sa mga kababayan nating tinamaan ng sakit na COVID-19 (We thank the DOH and the private sector because this initiative is such a big help to our people who were hit by COVID-19),” Go said in a statement.
“Isa lang po ito sa mga hakbang upang mapalakas pa ang ating COVID-19 response at hindi bumagsak ang ating healthcare system. Sa paraan na ito ay marami pa tayong kababayan na matutulungan lalo na po ‘yung mga mahihirap (This is just one of the mechanisms taken to strengthen our COVID-19 response to prevent our healthcare system from being overwhelmed. It’s also one way we can do to help the poor),” the head of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography further said.
“Sa pakikipagtulungan ng pribadong sektor at ng gobyerno, malayo ang ating mararating tungo sa pagkakaroon ng mas ligtas na komunidad lalo na ngayong may pandemya (With the participation of the private sector and the government, we can do more to make sure our communitites are safe especially during this time of a pandemic),” he added.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier disclosed that the agency has finished arranging about 35,000 COVID-19 care kits which will contain 20 pieces of masks, a bottle of sanitizer, soap and medicines. This is in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Procter & Gamble Company.
Nevertheless, Go said it is important to get oneself vaccinated against COVID-19 as the number of daily COVID-19 infections continues to rise in the country.
Go reiterated his advise to all eligible Filipinos to get vaccinated and to take their booster shots as well for added protection against COVID-19 and other possible variants.
Health experts, he said, have found that receiving two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine alone significantly reduces one’s risk of developing severe symptoms or dying as a result of the virus.
Go also noted that despite the sharp spike in infections, the country’s case-to-hospitalization rate is currently lower compared to previous surges.
"Hinihikayat ko ang lahat na magpabakuna. Nasa datos naman na kung sino ang positibo at grabe ‘yung sintomas ay kadalasan sila ‘yung mga hindi pa bakunado (I encourage everyone to get vaccinated. The data already shows that those who are mostly positive and were hit by severe symptoms were usually those who are unvaccinated),” the senator pointed out.
The lawmaker, likewise, reiterated his appeal to the public not to let their guards down, emphasizing the importance of continued public support to help the government balance public health and economic interests.
Go appealed to the public to do their part in prevent another lockdown from happening as most businesses have already suffered during the past two years.
“Public health is not just the responsibility of the government but by all of us, that is why we need to do our part and be part of the solution,” he stressed.