Bong Go hails new SHC in Isabela
SEN. Christopher“Bong” Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, hailed the establishment of a new super health center (SHC) in Mallig, Isabela.
“Today marks a milestone in our ongoing efforts to bring health care services closer to our people,” said Go in his speech during the inauguration of the new super health center in Mallig, Isabela, on Thursday, January 25.
This initiative, which Go advocated for, will enhance access to primary health care services in the community.
“I am committed to supporting projects that enhance the well-being of Filipinos. This Super Health Center is a testament to our collaborative efforts with fellow legislators, local government units and the Department of Health (DoH) led by Secretary Teodoro Herbosa to improve health services in communities,” Go added.
SHCs are designed to ease the pressure on hospitals by serving as the primary care facility for less severe medical issues, thereby decentralizing health services while bringing closer medical consultations and early disease detection to communities.
The new SHC is set to offer a wide range of medical services including database management, outpatient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: X-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose and throat service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine.
As the vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go played a pivotal role in securing funding in the 2022, 2023 and 2024 national budgets for over 700 SHCs nationwide.
In Isabela, a total of 18 super health centers have been funded.
Residents of Mallig and nearby localities have welcomed the opening of the center, expressing hope that it will significantly reduce travel time and costs for medical consultations and treatments.
“Ensuring that every Filipino has access to quality health care, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, is a significant step toward achieving universal health care,” Go said.
Go’s commitment to health care has been a cornerstone of his legislative agenda. He has been instrumental in pushing for laws and policies that strengthen the health care system in the country, including the Malasakit Centers Act, which aims to streamline access to medical and financial assistance provided by the government.
With 159 facilities established throughout the country, the Malasakit Centers program has already assisted around 10 million Filipinos, particularly poor patients with their hospital expenses.
In Isabela, residents may seek assistance from the Malasakit Centers at the Southern Isabela Medical Center in Santiago City and the Governor Faustino N. Dy, Sr. Memorial Hospital in Ilagan City.