Sen. Bong Go’s Commitment to Hold the Department of Health Accountable
During a recent Senate health committee hearing, Senator Bong Go expressed his commitment to ensure that the Department of Health (DOH) is held accountable for any denial of medical attention to patients, especially those who are underprivileged. Senator Go issued a stern warning to the DOH, emphasizing the importance of standing by their promise to provide medical care to all patients.
In his statement, Senator Go highlighted the responsibility that the DOH holds towards the Filipino people. He emphasized that if a patient dies due to poverty and being denied medical attention, it is a significant failure on the part of the DOH. Senator Go vowed to speak out every day if necessary, to bring attention to any cases where patients are denied medical care and left with nowhere else to turn.
Senator Go cited a specific case in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, where a patient was on the verge of having his oxygen supply cut off due to severe financial constraints. This example served to underscore the urgent need for the implementation of the Malasakit Centers Law.
The Importance of the Malasakit Centers Law
The Malasakit Centers Law aims to provide financial aid for medical care to indigent and financially incapable patients. These centers, which can be accessed nationwide, serve as one-stop shops that consolidate the medical assistance programs of various government agencies, including the DOH, PhilHealth, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
During the hearing, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa was present, and Senator Go pressed him on the integrity of the DOH’s promise to fulfill its mandate in implementing the Malasakit Centers Law. Senator Go reminded Secretary Herbosa of his previous statements under oath, where he expressed his commitment to helping the poor and supporting the Malasakit Centers.
Secretary Herbosa reaffirmed his commitment to the cause and assured Senator Go that the government has allocated P58 billion for the medical assistance of indigent and financially compromised patients in 2024.
Challenges Faced by Malasakit Centers
During the hearing, other resource persons, such as DSWD Project Development Officer Artemio Bautista and Malasakit Center Program Office Director Luz Jordana Jose, shed light on the operations and success stories of the Malasakit Centers.
Director Jose discussed the staffing problems faced by the centers, revealing that they are currently operating at only 69 percent capacity. She also mentioned that they have received several resignation letters from appointed job orders, further exacerbating the staffing shortage.
On the other hand, Officer Bautista shared that there are still available slots, particularly in the four newly opened centers and one at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City. Senator Go called for the immediate filling up of these vacancies to ensure the smooth operation of the centers.
Expanding the Reach of Malasakit Centers
Recognizing the success of the existing Malasakit Centers, the Senate health committee urged the DOH to submit a comprehensive plan for the projected expansion of these centers to qualified public hospitals. This expansion would enable more Filipinos to access the much-needed medical assistance provided by the Malasakit Centers.
By expanding the reach of these centers, the government can ensure that more indigent and financially incapable patients receive the necessary medical attention without facing financial burdens that may prevent them from accessing proper healthcare.
Senator Bong Go’s unwavering commitment to holding the DOH accountable for denying medical attention to underprivileged patients sends a strong message about the importance of providing equal access to healthcare for all Filipinos. Through the implementation and expansion of the Malasakit Centers, the government can continue to address the medical needs of the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring that no patient is left behind.
Source: The Manila Times
