Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Monday, August 28 said he expects more Filipinos to have access to specialized medical care soon.
This, after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed the Regional Specialty Centers Act designed to enhance healthcare accessibility especially in the grassroots level.
The newly enacted law primarily seeks to create additional specialty centers in various regions, to ensure that Filipinos have access to specialized medical services without the need to travel to Manila.
“With the signing of this law, we are taking a giant leap in improving access to specialized medical care and bringing these services closer to Filipinos in need,” Go added.
“Walang Pilipino ang dapat mapag-iwanan pagdating sa kalusugan. Ang bawat Pilipino ay may karapatan sa de-kalidad na serbisyong medikal, kahit saan man sila sa bansa (No Filipino should be left behind when it comes to health. Each Filipino has a right to quality medical services, anywhere in the country),” he stressed.
The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography also thanked the President for prioritizing the proposed measure.
“His support has been instrumental in bringing specialized medical care closer to our fellow Filipinos,” he further said.
The new law also provides for the establishment of specialty centers within existing government-controlled corporations or specialty hospitals.
It also outlines specific service capabilities that the Department of Health (DOH) will implement in regional hospitals.
“By setting clear standards, we are ensuring that these specialty centers will have the necessary expertise and resources to cater to patients' specialized medical needs effectively across the country,” Go elaborated.
Based on the DOH’s timeline, the establishment of specialty centers will take place in key hospitals across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
In Luzon, specialty centers will be established in over 20 medical facilities, including Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital, Batangas Medical Center and Bicol Medical Center.
Six major hospitals in the Visayas region will house specialty centers, including Western Visayas Medical Center and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.
Mindanao will also see the establishment of specialty centers in nine (9) key hospitals, including Zamboanga City Medical Center and Northern Mindanao Medical Center.
“These specialty centers will reduce the need for travel to Metro Manila for specialized treatments. Our people will now have access to these services in regional DOH hospitals, enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life,” Go reiterated.
The senator said the creation of Regional Specialty Centers Act will complement the government’s ongoing Malasakit Centers and Super Health Centers which are scattered across the country.
These centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection of diseases and are equipped with basic medical facilities that can be found in hospitals to help reduce hospital occupancy rates.
“Through the Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and the Regional Specialty Centers Act, we are not just creating policies; we are building bridges to quality healthcare for every Filipino,” Go said.
“This is our commitment to the well-being of our people, ensuring that no one is left behind. Together, we are making healthcare not just accessible, but also equitable, across our country,” he stressed.