The Philippines must shift its focus to other public health concerns aside from Covid-19, such as tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, in order to improve the Filipinos’ lives and prepare them better for potential health threats, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said on Saturday, Dec. 10.
This came after the senator, who is also chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, lauded President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for ordering the Department of Health (DOH) to "refocus again on public health concerns", including the fight against HIV and TB infections, alongside the campaign against Covid-19.
“We must start to prioritize general public health to promote the overall health and well-being of the Filipino people. We must ensure our preparedness for potential health threats and take preventative steps to protect them from these threats,” he said in a statement.
“It is important to continue the fight against HIV and TB infections, even as we focus on the ongoing battle against Covid-19. These infections can have serious consequences for individuals and communities, and addressing them is crucial for the overall health and well-being of our population,” he added.
The lawmaker explained that prioritizing the campaign against HIV and TB infections will “ensure that the necessary resources are allocated to prevent and treat these conditions, and protect vulnerable individuals from their devastating effects.”
Survey results released by independent research group OCTA Research revealed that at least 70 percent of adult Filipinos are pleased with the performance of the current administration's programs that are related to health care.
With Go’s advocacy to improve the country's healthcare system, the senator reported that he filed several health-related measures, including Senate Bill (SB) No. 189 which seeks to provide free annual medical check-up for all Filipinos.
The bulk of his priority bills filed in the 19th Congress focused on health-related measures, such as SB 190 which mandates the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to fully cover all costs of dialysis treatments, sessions and procedures done in health facilities accredited by the agency; and SBs 195 and 196 which aim to establish the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Virology Institute of the Philippines, respectively.
He also filed SB 191 or the Advanced Nursing Education Bill; SB 421 establishing an Emergency Medical Services System; SB 427 providing benefits and compensation to Barangay Health Workers; and SB 428 which seeks to establish Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers nationwide.
“It is our job in the government to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. A strong healthcare system can help to prevent and control the spread of diseases, and it can also play a key role in promoting public health and reducing healthcare disparities,” he said.
A strong healthcare system, Go furthered, will also have economic benefits because individuals will be healthier and therefore, more productive.