Sen. Bong Go continues to push for initiatives to ensure poor and indigent patients get convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the government.
In his video message during a relief activity in San Pablo City, Laguna on Thursday, 6 October, Go, who serves as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, highlighted the services offered in all 152 existing Malasakit Centers nationwide, including the one at San Pablo City General Hospital.
“Nagsimula ang Malasakit Center sa Cebu. Sinubukan namin ilagay ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno — ang PCSO, DOH, DSWD, at PhilHealth sa iisang opisina para hindi na kailanganin pang masayang ang ilang araw ng ating mga kababayan na humingi ng tulong,” explained Go, who is the primary author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act.
“Basta Pilipino ka, poor and indigent patient ka, qualified ka sa Malasakit Center. Lapitan niyo lang po ang Malasakit Center diyan po sa inyong lugar at tutulungan po kayo na maging zero balance ang inyong billing,” he added.
The senator then took the opportunity to commend all medical front liners for always looking out for the well-being of Filipinos, especially at this time of health crisis.
The relief activity was mounted at San Pablo Central School where Go’s team extended masks, snacks and shirts to 600 indigents. They also gave away bicycles, cellular phones, shoes and balls for basketball to select individuals.
A team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development likewise provided financial assistance.