
The 153rd Malasakit Center in the country was launched on Thursday, Nov. 24, at the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Key government officials were present during the launch including Senator Christopher "Bong" Go and DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire.
"We consider this a critical milestone, as it not only means another opportunity to improve access, but equally worth celebrating is the fact that this is the first center that will cater specifically to our countrymen who we consider our modern day heroes–our Overseas Filipino Workers–as this center is strategically located in our newly-created OFW Hospital," said Vergeire.
The DOH said that through the Malasakit Center, "comprehensive and total health care services to all migrant workers including Overseas Workers Welfare Administration contributors, whether active or non-active and their qualified legal dependents will be provided."
To note, Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop facility within the premises of the hospital
where indigent patients can efficiently access financial medical assistance from agencies such as PhilHealth, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The first Malasakit Center was opened in February 2018 at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City.
"Sa ating patuloy na pagpapatayo ng mas marami pang Malasakit Center, makaasa po kayong lagi’t laging naririto ang DOH upang magbigay ng suporta (As we continue to build more Malasakit Centers, you can always count on the DOH in providing support),” she said.