Go lauds opening of cardiac catheterization lab

SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized his dedication to improving health care accessibility and quality across the Philippines as he joined the inauguration of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory I at the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City on Thursday, February 15.

Go, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, stressed the critical need for such facilities in regions outside of Manila, particularly in Mindanao.

“They no longer need to travel to Manila after the completion of the catheterization lab here. They have already the building, and they also have complete hospital beds,” he said, highlighting the importance of having comprehensive medical services available in the region to ease the burdens faced by patients.

Go then expressed gratitude toward his colleagues in the Senate for their collaborative efforts in securing the necessary funding for the lab.

“Our gratitude to Sen. [Juan Edgardo] ‘Sonny’ Angara, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Sen. [Pilar Juliana] ‘Pia’ Cayetano, senior vice chairman of the Finance Committee, for helping us in responding to the needs of the people here in Davao, particularly in providing the necessary funding for the establishment of this catheterization lab,” Go added.

The said facility will enhance care for a wide range of patients, including adults with heart disease, children with congenital heart issues, those requiring vascular or interventional radiology and individuals undergoing electrophysiology procedures, among others.

Additionally, Go is the principal sponsor and one of the authors of Republic Act 11959, or the “Regional Specialty Centers Act,” which further demonstrates his commitment to enhancing specialized health care infrastructure nationwide.

“These are specialty centers that will be established in existing DoH (Department of Health) hospitals ... We have a special center here for the heart,” Go said, pointing out efforts to have more comprehensive health care services in Mindanao that include specialized treatments for various conditions.

During the visit, Go and his Malasakit Team also provided nourishment and support by distributing rice porridge to frontline workers and patients in the hospital.

He also toured the hospital’s hybrid angio-CT catheterization laboratory, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. This advanced facility, distinct from the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory I, was inaugurated on February 8 and was also funded with Go’s support.

While visiting the hospital, Go offered support to patients needing medical care. He highlighted the presence of a Malasakit Center where they could seek financial assistance for medical expenses.

On the same day, Go attended both the National Integrated Cancer Control Act 5th Anniversary Celebration at the SMX Lanang and the 4th Provincial Indigenous People Mandatory Representative Assembly at the Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City.