Sen. Bong Go reassured that he will remain focused on strengthening the health sector of the country to ensure that fellow Filipinos get access to the quality health care they need.
In a video message during the relief activities in Sta. Rita and Villareal, Samar on 6 to 7 December, Go, advised them to visit the Malasakit Center at Samar Provincial Hospital in Calbayog City ready to assist them with their hospital expenses.
The senator then shared that he started the idea of the Malasakit Centers program to ensure that poor and indigent patients have convenient access to medical assistance programs by the government.
“Bilang senador, isinabatas po natin itong Malasakit Center. Tuluy-tuloy po ang pagbubukas ng Malasakit Center. Batas na ito ngayon at meron nang 153 Malasakit Centers sa buong bansa. So lahat po ng mga DOH-run hospitals ay magkakaroon ng Malasakit Center at hindi po kami titigil kung papaano pa po makatulong sa mga kababayan natin,” he added.
Other public hospitals may also establish their own provided they meet a standard set of criteria and guarantee the sustainability of their operations.
Go likewise supported the construction of two Super Health Centers in Calbiga and Sta. Margarita, which shall offer basic health services, such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit.
Mounted at the respective municipal gymnasiums, Go’s outreach team gave away masks to 1,091 struggling residents while they also provided cellular phones, bicycles, shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select individuals.
Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment then provided livelihood assistance.
Staff from the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority conducted an on-site assessment where qualified beneficiaries will be given livelihood support and scholarship grants, respectively.