“Dapat siguraduhin nating may mga personnel kayo sa lahat ng hospitals na may Malasakit Centers.”
This is the call of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go , principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Law, during the latest Senate Health hearing he presided on as Chairperson in light of the reported limited presence of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) representatives in Malasakit Centers nationwide.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where Filipinos can avail of financial and medical assistance from four agencies of the government, namely the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the PCSO.
“DOH, PhilHealth, DSWD, and PCSO must be represented,” Senator Go stressed underscoring that his priority is for the government to continue to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to every Filipino.
Go, in a previous hearing, highlighted the importance of PCSO fully adhering to its obligations under Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, noting that the law was enacted to simplify the process for patients needing medical assistance without the need to seek help from other offices to lessen the burden on patients.
“Para sa mga Pilipino iyan, para sa mga indigent patients po iyan. Karapatan ng bawat Pilipino iyang Malasakit Center. Walang pinipili iyan, para sa Pilipino iyan lalung-lalo na po iyung walang matakbuhan. Lapitan ninyo lang po ang Malasakit Center para mas mabawasan na po ang inyong hirap sa kahihingi sa iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno. Inilagay na po sa isang kwarto ng hospital,” Go pointed out.
On the part of PCSO, Assistant General Manager Arnel Casas gave an update on their ongoing efforts to create plantilla positions to address staffing gaps in the Malasakit Centers.
In particular, Casas said that they have already submitted a list of plantilla positions as required by law to ensure personnel in Malasakit Centers, which is now undergoing review and evaluation. Said list is subject to the approval of the Government Commission for GOCCs (GCG) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
As a steadfast advocate of health reforms, Senator Go reiterated that healthcare services must be accessible and responsive to the needs of the citizenry.
“Patuloy tayong magsumikap at magtaguyod ng isang episyente, mas inklusibo, at mas maasahang serbisyong medikal para sa lahat,” Go said.
Senator Go conducted the latest Senate hearing on health a day after the official start of the election campaign season. He said he will continue to monitor the implementation of the Malasakit Centers Act to ensure that no patient is left behind when it comes to availing help from the government.
“Sabi ko nga, kahit panahon ng kampanya ngayon, uunahin ko ang pagseserbisyo sa ating mga kababayang Pilipino. Uunahin ko ang mga kapakanan ng mga pasyente. Uunahin ko ang mahihirap nating kababayan,” Go said. ###
