Press Release - Improving healthcare for Mindanaoans: Bong Go lauds inauguration of Cardiac Catheterization Lab I at the SPMC, Davao City

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go emphasized his dedication to improving healthcare accessibility and quality across the Philippines as he joined the inauguration of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory I at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City on Thursday, February 15.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health stressed the critical need for such facilities in regions outside of Manila particularly in Mindanao.

"Hindi na po nila kailangan bumiyahe sa Maynila kung kumpleto po ang kanilang catheterization lab dito. Kumpleto po ang kanilang building, kumpleto po ang kanilang hospital beds," he stated, highlighting the importance of having comprehensive medical services available in the region to ease the burdens faced by patients.

Go then expressed gratitude towards his colleagues in the Senate for their collaborative efforts in securing the necessary funding for the lab.

"Salamat kay Senator Sonny Angara na kasamahan ko sa Senado at aming chairman po ng Committee on Finance, pati kay Sen. Pia Cayetano na Senior Vice Chair ng Finance Committee, nagtulung-tulong po kami para tugunan kaagad ang pangangailangan dito sa Davao at mapondohan po itong catheterization lab na naisakatuparan na po ngayong araw na ito," Go remarked.

The said facility will enhance care for a wide range of patients, including adults with heart disease, children with congenital heart issues, those requiring vascular or interventional radiology, and individuals undergoing electrophysiology procedures, among others.

Additionally, Go principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which further demonstrates his commitment to enhancing specialized healthcare infrastructure nationwide.

"Ito po ay mga specialty centers na itatayo sa mga existing DOH hospitals... Mayroon na tayong specialty center dito para sa heart," Go explained, pointing out efforts to have more comprehensive healthcare services in Mindanao that includes specialized treatments for various conditions.

"May cancer center na rin sa Southern Philippines Medical Center sa Davao City. Isa lang ito sa ating pagsisikap na mapaganda pa ang