Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, lauded the turnover of the Super Health Center in Sitio Tafal, Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, on Wednesday, February 19. This is the second Super Health Center established in Barangay Ned, further strengthening healthcare access in the community.
In a video message, Senator Go expressed his commitment to addressing the healthcare challenges faced by communities, particularly those in remote locations. He underscored the importance of bringing medical services closer to the people, ensuring that they receive timely and adequate healthcare.
“Alam ko po na isa sa mga hamon ng ating mga residente ay ang pagkakaroon ng access sa mga pangunahing serbisyong pangkalusugan dahil sa layo ng mga pasilidad. Kaya naman patuloy kong isinusulong ang pagtatayo ng mas marami pang Super Health Centers sa buong bansa,” he stated.
In January of last year, Senator Go personally led the turnover and blessing of the first Super Health Center in Barangay Ned proper, where he had the unique opportunity to congratulate a parent who had just given birth. Layla Tungcay, the newborn’s mother, expressed joy and gratitude for the senator’s presence, and in a heartwarming gesture, named her child Bong Galyn or “Bongga”, in honor of Senator Go.
The Super Health Centers serve as primary healthcare facilities that provide a comprehensive range of medical services. These include database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation rooms, and diagnostic services such as laboratory tests, X-rays, and ultrasound. Additionally, they offer pharmacy services, ambulatory surgical units, and specialized care in fields such as eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT), oncology, and physical therapy. The inclusion of telemedicine services also ensures remote diagnosis and treatment, further expanding healthcare accessibility in underserved areas.
With the combined efforts of fellow lawmakers, local government units (LGUs), and the Department of Health (DOH), funding has been secured for over 700 Super Health Centers nationwide, including seven in South Cotabato.
Beyond the establishment of Super Health Centers, Senator Go also highlighted the impact of the Malasakit Centers, a program aimed at easing the financial burden of indigent patients. These centers operate as one-stop shops where patients can access medical assistance programs from the government, reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
The initiative was institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, principally authored and sponsored by Senator Go. Currently, 167 Malasakit Centers operate nationwide, having assisted over 17 million Filipinos. Among these, centers at the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City and the SOCCSKARGEN General Hospital in Surallah provide essential medical assistance to indigent patients.
During the ceremony, Senator Go also extended his gratitude to the healthcare professionals and frontliners present, recognizing their dedication to serving the community. He encouraged them to continue their invaluable work in providing quality healthcare services and vowed to always provide them with his unwavering support.
“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil ang tangi kong bisyo ay magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Diyos,” Go concluded.
With his continuous efforts in advancing healthcare initiatives, Senator Go remains steadfast in his mission to improve the nation’s healthcare system, ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in accessing essential medical services.
