The Department of Health’s (DOH) proposed P311.3-billion budget for 2024 should be increased to ensure that medical services would be easily accessible to all Filipinos.
Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, said next year’s budget of the DOH should be able to ensure the proper implementation of the recently enacted Regional Specialty Centers Act, establishment of more Super Health Centers, and continuing the operations of Malasakit Centers nationwide.
All these three, Go said, aims to bring medical services to Filipinos in need of medical attention.
"Masaya po ako na priority din ito ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos (I am happy that this is also the priority of President Marcos)" Go said of the Republic Act No. 11959, known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which was supported by all 24 senators.
"Lahat ay sumuporta dito dahil na-explain natin ng mabuti na makakatulong talaga ito sa mga kababayan nating mahihirap (Everyone supported this because we were able to explain clearly how this can truly help our citizens who are poor),” Go added.
The senator also stressed the need for adequate funding to establish the specialty centers under the law as it primarily aims to decentralize specialized medical services, making them accessible across all regions.
Go noted the hardship people from remote areas have to face when seeking specialized healthcare in Manila.
"Alam naman natin napakahirap pong pumunta dito sa Maynila. Wala silang pamasahe — ‘yung mga pasyente (We all know how hard it is for these patients to come to Manila. They do not have sufficient money for transportation),” he continued.
At the same time, Go renewed his call for more Super Health Centers which, he said, will complement PhilHealth’s Konsulta program.
Services offered in Super Health Centers include database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation center and telemedicine.
The senator also addressed the need for a comprehensive assessment to ensure there would be no personnel shortages in order for the Super Health Centers to operate effectively.