Press Release - Bong Go lauds establishment of first dedicated cancer hospital in the Philippines; calls on gov't to provide support and assistance to indigent cancer patients

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go lauded the establishment of the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH), the Philippines' first dedicated cancer care facility. The hospital, inaugurated by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., in Arca South, Taguig City on Friday, November 24, stands as a testament to collaborative efforts in improving health services.

"With the help of the HCCH, we can revolutionize the cancer care service industry in the Philippines through modern, state of the art equipment coupled with leading medical professionals and oncologists. It will certainly positively reflect on the country's growing potential as a leading healthcare destination in Asia," said President Marcos Jr. during the inauguration.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, acknowledged the importance of such initiatives, stating, "Ang pagbubukas ng HCCH ay isang malaking hakbang para mapabuti ang access sa quality cancer care para sa maraming Pilipino."

Go's commitment to improving healthcare in the Philippines, particularly in the area of specialized healthcare, is further evidenced by the enactment of Republic Act 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, where he was the principal sponsor and one of the authors in the Senate.

This law, signed by President Marcos Jr. on August 24, is a strategic move towards decentralizing specialized healthcare in the country and bringing critical medical services closer to the people. This legislation mandates the creation of Regional Specialty Centers within the existing framework of Department of Health (DOH) regional hospitals. It is a crucial step in ensuring that specialized healthcare services, similar to those provided by the HCCH, are accessible in various regions across the country.

Go further lauded the continuing efforts of both the government and the private sector in promoting the health and well-being of Filipinos.

"Ito ay nagpapakita ng malakas na kooperasyon ng gobyerno at private sector sa pagpapalakas ng ating healthcare system," he remarked.

"Sa tulong ng ganitong mga ospital, maaari nating i-revolutionize ang cancer care service industry sa Pilipinas at makatulong sa maraming mga Pilipino na may cancer,"