MANILA, Philippines — Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go inaugurated the Super Health Center in Pandi, Bulacan, marking a significant stride in the government’s efforts to enhance public health infrastructure and bring medical services closer to the grassroots.
The facility is part of an initiative to increase healthcare access, especially in primary care.
At the event, Go emphasized the Super Health Centers’ vital role in the government’s healthcare strategy, aiming to bring medical services closer to the grassroots.
“The Super Health Center is a medium type of a polyclinic. It includes consultation and primary care. PhilHealth consultations are available here since all Filipinos are PhilHealth members. It offers laboratory services, birthing services, and more. It’s crucial for early disease detection. This is part of the Universal Health Care’s primary care,” Go said in an interview.
He also discussed the criteria for establishing Super Health Centers across the country, ensuring they are strategically placed to serve those most in need.
The Department of Health selects locations based on several factors, prioritizing areas where hospitals are far or inaccessible, especially targeting municipalities without healthcare facilities and those classified as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). The goal is for every legislative district to have at least one Super Health Center.
“The readiness of a proposed site for development and the local government units’ (LGUs) capacity to sustain its operation are crucial,” Go added, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the national government and LGUs for the centers’ sustainability and effectiveness.
Go commended the local government of Pandi, including Congressman Ambrosio “Boy” Cruz Jr., Vice Governor Alex Castro, and others, for their efforts in making the Super Health Center a reality.
“Our guest speaker is a man of action, a simple provincial man with courage and care. As he serves in the senate, he ensures the continuous delivery of government aid,” Board Member Richard “Bokal Ricky” Roque remarked about Go.
The Department of Health, led by Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, local government units, and fellow lawmakers, have allocated funds under the DOH for the construction of around 700 Super Health Centers, including 18 in Bulacan.
Go also provided meals, shirts, and sports equipment to select attendees and grocery packs to the barangay health workers present.
He urged the public to utilize the services of the Malasakit Centers in Bulacan, highlighting the program’s success since its inception in 2018, with 161 operational centers nationwide benefiting over ten million indigent patients.
Go highlighted the significance of the recently passed Regional Specialty Centers Act, which he co-authored, mandating the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals.
“I am saddened when I hear that our fellow citizens hesitate to seek hospital care or checkups due to poverty. Let’s help them. Life is precious, and we must care for it. The government, congressmen, mayors, and vice mayors are here to help. Don’t be afraid to seek medical care. Let’s help each other,” Go stated.
Additionally, Go supports various projects in the province, including the construction of multipurpose buildings, road improvements, and fencing for the Pandi District Hospital.
Later that day, Go assisted more than a thousand barangay workers, mother leaders, and local indigents in the town, and also helped fire victims in Barangay Alabang, Muntinlupa City.