Photo credit: Senate PH

Senator Bong Go has a clear message: No Filipino should be turned away when they seek medical help.

“Wala dapat matanggihan sa mga ospital. Huwag na pahirapan ang mga pasyenteng naghihirap na. Magmalasakit tayo sa may sakit,” he emphasized, calling for hospitals to ensure accessible healthcare for all, especially the underprivileged.

Go, the principal author of the Malasakit Centers Law (RA 11463), reiterated the Department of Health’s (DOH) commitment to funding medical assistance for indigent patients. A recent DOH memorandum ensures that Malasakit Centers across the country continue to operate smoothly, offering much-needed support to those who need it most.

Malasakit Centers: One-Stop Help for Patients

For those unfamiliar, Malasakit Centers serve as a one-stop shop where Filipinos can seek medical and financial assistance from four key government agencies:
• DOH
• Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
• PhilHealth
• Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)

These centers aim to cut down the red tape and make financial aid more accessible for patients struggling with hospital bills.

Got Issues? Report Them!

Go urged Filipinos to report any problems they encounter in availing of medical assistance. “Kung may reklamo kayo o may napansin kayong pagkukulang sa pagpapatupad ng Malasakit Centers, ipagbigay-alam kaagad sa DOH o sa amin sa Senado para mabantayan natin,” he said.

As part of his Senate oversight role, Go vowed to monitor the program closely to ensure its proper implementation. He stressed that transparency and accountability are crucial in delivering quality healthcare services to the people.

7 Years of Malasakit: A Lifeline for Millions

February 12 marks the 7th anniversary of the Malasakit Centers program, which was first launched in Cebu in 2018. Today, there are 167 Malasakit Centers nationwide—93 in Luzon, 30 in the Visayas, and 44 in Mindanao. To date, the program has helped over 17 million Filipinos.

Bong Go’s Commitment: Service First

Despite the election campaign season, Go said he remains focused on public service. “Sabi ko nga, kahit panahon ng kampanya ngayon, uunahin ko ang pagseserbisyo sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino. Uunahin ko ang mga kapakanan ng mga pasyente. Uunahin ko ang mahihirap nating kababayan.”

With Malasakit Centers continuing to expand, Go reaffirmed his commitment: “Sisiguraduhin kong mas lalo pang mapapabuti ang serbisyo nito para sa ating mga kababayan.”