Bong Go assures he will push for easy healthcare access in far-flung areas as 150th Malasakit Center opens in Batanes
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has pledged to continue initiating and supporting measures that seek to improve access to quality healthcare especially in far-flung areas around the country.
Go made the assurance during the launch of the 150th Malasakit Center at the Batanes General Hospital in Basco, the capital town of Batanes, on Tuesday, March 1. The said Malasakit Center is the first in the province and the fifth in the Cagayan Valley Region.
“Ako po’y natutuwa dahil nakaabot ang Malasakit Center sa dulo ng ating bansa. Kahit patapos na ang termino ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte ... patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa mga kababayan natin sa Batanes dahil mahal namin kayo (I’m happy because the Malasakit Center has reached even the ends of our country. Even though President Duterte’s term is about to end..I will continue to serve our people in Batanes because we care for you),” Go said.
‘Ilang beses na kaming nagawi ng Pangulo diyan noong mga panahon ng bagyo at lindol (The President and I have been there numerous times during earthquake and typhoons),” said Go.
Go said Basco should not be considered a fifth class municipality as all provinces in the country should be made to have access to healthcare equally.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop which brings together the various agencies that offer medical assistance, namely, the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Go is author and sponsor of the bill that became Republic Act No. 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Centers Act, upon becoming a senator the following year.
The law mandates all DOH-run hospitals to open their own Malasakit Center. Other public hospitals, including those run by local government units, may also establish their own center provided they meet a set of criteria.