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SEN. Bong Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, visited the Malasakit Center at Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Iloilo City on Sunday as part of his ongoing efforts to ensure accessible health care for Filipinos.
During this visit, he reaffirmed his commitment to providing indigent patients with streamlined access to medical assistance programs through the Malasakit Center initiative.
These centers serve as one-stop shops that integrate assistance from various government agencies, including the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
The first Malasakit Center was established in Cebu City in 2018, and since then, 166 centers have been institutionalized nationwide under Republic Act (RA) 11463, which Go principally authored and sponsored. The Malasakit Center in WVMC is the third to be established nationwide.
Key hospital officials who joined Go during his visit expressed their appreciation for the senator's unwavering support to the health care sector.
"I want to thank our frontliners. During the pandemic, we would not have reached this point without the sacrifices of our frontliners, doctors, nurses, and all the employees of this hospital," Senator Go said in Filipino as he presented health workers and hospital staff with various forms of support, such as food packs, shirts, and balls.
He went on to highlight specific legislative achievements aimed at supporting health care workers.
"Recognizing your sacrifices, I have pushed for measures to support health care professionals. Among these is RA 11712, which mandates the provision of Health Emergency Allowance to health care workers who served during the pandemic. We continue to push for the release of the budget to pay the Health Emergency Allowance. Rest assured, I will continue to fight for your rights and well-being," Go said.
He also noted the salary upgrade for entry-level nurses. "Last Congress, we also ensured the implementation of the Supreme Court decision, which upgraded the salary grade of the entry-level position of nurses to salary grade 15," he explained.
Discussing his legislative priorities, Go said, "I also filed Senate Bill (SB) 191 or the Advanced Nursing Education Bill to establish a foundational nursing education program that will give nursing students the skills they need to practice safe, high-quality nursing at the entry-level if enacted into law."
The senator also assured WVMC personnel of his continued support, particularly in improving hospital facilities and services. Through RA 11496, he principally sponsored the increase in the Western Visayas Medical Center's capacity from 425 to 700 beds.
"Expect me to help as the Senate Committee Chair on Health in whatever way I can help your hospital. Whatever can improve your hospital. I am here to help," Go said.
Aside from his hospital visit, Go spearheaded a feeding program for patients, watchers, and frontliners to promote nutrition and protect their well-being.
