SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go praised the establishment of the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH), the Philippines’ first dedicated cancer care facility, which was inaugurated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on November 24. The HCCH, located in Taguig City, is 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 managed by leading medical professionals and oncologists. It will certainly reflect positively on the country’s growing potential as a leading health care destination in Asia,” said President Marcos Jr. during the inauguration.
Senator Go, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, acknowledged the importance of such initiatives, stating that “the opening of HCCH is a big step towards improving access to quality cancer care for many Filipinos.”
Senator Go’s commitment to improving healthcare in the Philippines, particularly in the area of specialized health care, is further evidenced by the enactment of Republic Act 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act. 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 health care in the country and bringing critical medical services closer to the people.
The Regional Specialty Centers Act mandates the creation of Regional Specialty Centers within the existing framework of Department of Health (DoH) regional hospitals. This crucial step ensures that specialized health care services, similar to those provided by the HCCH, are accessible in various regions across the country.
Senator Go also lauded the ongoing efforts of the government and the private sector in promoting the health and well-being of Filipinos.
Highlighting the need for sufficient funds, the HCCH offers comprehensive services, including radiation oncology, surgery, chemotherapy, and palliative care. Senator Go emphasized the importance of allocating sufficient funds for specific health care programs, especially for cancer, which is one of the leading causes of death in the country.
He pointed out that the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) for this year was set at P500 million through the collective efforts of lawmakers last year. Senator Go proposed to double this amount to P1 billion for the next year, ensuring that the government can provide sufficient support and assistance, particularly to indigent cancer patients.
Senator Go has been a consistent voice for increased funding for the CAF, aligning with the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (Nicca), under Republic Act (RA) 11215, signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2019. The Nicca establishes the National Integrated Cancer Control Program, which aims to provide “affordable and accessible” medical treatment.
Within Nicca, the Cancer Assistance Fund plays a pivotal role in offering financial support to cancer patients across the nation. Senator Go also emphasized the need to bridge the gap between the high cost of cancer treatment and the financial means of those who need it most.
“It is for this reason that I continue to advocate for a larger allocation for the CAF. Every peso invested in cancer assistance is an investment in the health and well-being of countless individuals and their families,” he said.
Furthermore, Senator Go expressed his support for a proposed cancer fund intended to aid Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), a project championed by the late secretary Susan “Toots” Ople of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
“This initiative highlights the urgent requirement to offer aid and compassion to the modern-day heroes who are confronting cancer while working far away from their families. We must ensure that they receive the necessary support and access to quality cancer care,” Senator Go emphasized.
As the Philippines inaugurates its first dedicated cancer care facility, the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, Senator Bong Go’s advocacy for increased funding and improved access to quality cancer care continues to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of Filipinos.
Source: The Manila Times
