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Tagum City's Malasakit Center continues to provide crucial medical support to indigents — Bong Go

DAVAO CITY (PIA) -- Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, expressed his delight at the continuing operations of the Malasakit Center at the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

The Center has been instrumental in providing crucial medical aid to a significant number of Davaoeños especially to poor and indigent patients.

The center's exemplary performance was highlighted in its recent utilization report, demonstrating its impact on the lives of thousands of people in the province.

According to the report, Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients (MAIP) of the Department of Health alone was provided through the Malasakit Center in DRMC to 129,432 patients since 2019 until July 2023, with total medical assistance given amounting to P998,180,000.

In 2023 alone, the Malasakit Center inside the DRMC facilitated the release a total of P294,933,000 worth of MAIP benefitting 28,992 patients.

In a press release, Go said “Isipin na lang natin na 'yung 28,992 patients, essentialy 28,992 na mga pamilya ang nakikinabang d'yan kasi 'pag may nagkasakit, lalo na kung breadwinner, damay buong pamilya.”

He lauded the Malasakit Center's commitment to ensuring quality healthcare reaches those who require it the most.

“Nakakataba ng puso na makita na marami na natulungan ang Malasakit Center sa DRMC. Sa bawat tulong na naibibigay nila, buhay na rin ang kanilang nasasagip,” said Go in the same media release.

"It also reflects the essence of public service and embodies the Malasakit Center's core values,” he added.

Go hopes that the positive impact of the Malasakit Center will not remain confined to the DRMC but will extend across the nation, benefiting more Filipinos in need of medical assistance.

“Ang ambag ng Malasakit Center sa ating mga komunidad ay hindi matatawaran. Mula 2019 hanggang ngayon, milyun-milyong mga pasyente ang natulungan nila at hindi pinabayaan,” he said.

"We will continue to work tirelessly to make healthcare accessible to every Filipino, regardless of their background or financial capacity,” he added.

The Malasakit Center program, which has been a flagship initiative of Go, consolidates the services of various government agencies to streamline the provision of medical assistance. He is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.

By bringing together the DOH, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office under one roof, the Malasakit Centers aim to simplify the process for patients seeking financial aid for their medical expenses.

To date, 158 operational centers have helped more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the DOH.

"Patuloy po sana nating tulungan ang mga hopeless, helpless at walang matakbuhan. Ibalik natin ang pera sa mga mahihirap," appealed Go.

Go's efforts to enhance the country’s healthcare system have earned recognition, with a recent June 2023 survey by the University of Mindanao's Institute of Public Opinion ranking him as one of the most trusted senators in Davao City. (Story  from Office of SBG)

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