Bong Go pushes for creation of halfway houses at key medical centers
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Friday, January 5 urged the Department of Health (DOH) to pursue the establisment of halfway houses nearby key medical centers in the country, noting there is sufficient budget for this under this year’s budget.
Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, pointed out the budget for three halfway houses is already included in the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
The senator said it is important to provide a type of transitional lodging designed to support individuals and families undergoing medical treatments far from their homes.
“Maraming pamilyang Pilipino ang pumupunta pa ng Metro Manila para magpagamot. Nakalulungkot isipin na habang ginagamot ang kanilang mahal sa buhay, mahirap din para sa kanila ang maghanap ng matutuluyan. Dito tayo pumapasok at tumutulong (Many Filipino families still come to Metro Manila for treatment. It’s sad to think that while their loved ones are being treated, it is also difficult for them to find a place to stay. This is where we come in and help),” Go said.
The halfway houses would be located at the Philippine Heart Center (PHC), the Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC), and the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC), all in Quezon City.
The selected medical centers specializes in different areas of healthcare, Go said, making them key destinations for patients seeking specialized treatments.
Go said the construction of halfway houses at these medical centers will address a significant gap in the healthcare system and provide much-needed support and relief to families, especially those who come from far-flung areas to Manila for medical treatment.
Each of these selected medical centers specializes in different areas of healthcare, making them key destinations for patients seeking specialized treatments, he noted.
Go said his initiative of securing funding for the halfway houses demonstrates a deep commitment to providing tangible solutions for Filipino families facing medical challenges.
“Sa bawat pamilyang Pilipinong nahaharap sa pagsubok ng kalusugan, nais kong iparating na nandito tayo para tumulong (To every Filipino family facing a health challenge, I want to convey that we are here to help),” the senator said.
“Ang pagtatayo ng mga halfway houses na ito ay simbolo ng ating pagkakaisa at malasakit para sa bawat isa (The construction of these halfway houses is a symbol of our unity and concern for each other),” Go added.