Delivery of health services vowed amid fund shortage

The government will have a tough time providing health care services to all Filipinos due to shortage of funds, President Duterte said last Wednesday.

The President, however, assured that government measures have been taken to meet the health needs of the public, including the establishment of ‘Malasakit Centers’ that provide aid to poor patients.

"One of the greatest drawbacks of this country is that we are not able really to provide healthcare for the children, much less for everybody actually for short of funds," Duterte said during the awarding of child-friendly municipalities and cities in Malacanang Wednesday.

"But we endeavored to pass a law that would give them free medical attention and hospitals. We have established the Malasakit thing all over to give priority to those who are urgently in need of medical attention," he added.

The President earlier sought the swift passage of the universal health care bill to give Filipinos access to affordable and quality health services.

The bill, which has been certified as urgent by the President, has been approved at the bicameral conference level of Congress.

In the same Palace event, the President has vowed to do everything to ensure the safety and protection of children from abuse, violence and crime.

He also asked local government units to be the government's partners in keeping child-friendly communities.