Press Release - Bong Go highlights efforts in bringing healthcare services closer to Mindanaoans during MinDA meet

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, emphasized his commitment to Filipinos' well-being and the country's health sector during the 17th Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Board of Directors Meeting at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City, on Friday, February 16.

As an ex-officio member of the board representing the Senate, Go highlighted his people-centered approach to healthcare by advocating for the continuing operations of Malasakit Centers, the expansion of Regional Specialty Centers, the establishment of more Super Health Centers, and improving other health facilities in the countryside particularly in underserved areas in Mindanao.

The Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act, which Go principally authored and sponsored, aims to support impoverished patients in reducing hospital costs. There are 159 Malasakit Centers nationwide, including 40 in Mindanao. So far, around ten million Filipinos have benefitted from the program according to the Department of Health.

"Mayroon pong Malasakit Center as far as Jolo, Tawi-tawi, Basilan, Maguindanao, South Cotabato, mayroon rin po North Cotabato, mayroon rin po Sultan Kudarat, sa Surigao mayroon rin po, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Sarangani. So Region 9 marami, Zamboanga City mayroon mismo doon. Sa Surigao del Sur mayroon rin po tatlo. Gensan, mayroon rin po. Nakakalat po 'yan, 40 po 'yan sa Mindanao, 159 sa buong Pilipinas," shared Go.

Through the collective efforts of the DOH, led by Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, local government units, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have also been allocated for constructing over 700 Super Health Centers nationwide, of which 224 are to be constructed at strategic locations in Mindanao. The initiative aims to decongest hospitals and make primary healthcare accessible to underprivileged Filipinos.

"Sa kakaikot ko, marami pong mga kababayan natin na wala pong access sa hospital. 'Yung mga buntis nanganganak na lang po sa tricycle or jeepney dahil sa sobrang layo po ng hospital. Ngayon, with this Super Health Center, pwede na po diyan 'yung panganganak. It's a