Malasakit Health Cards

IBy

HAVE witnessed in close proximity how Cebuanos in Cebu City, Mandaue, etc., are truly grateful for President Rodrigo Duterte’s ‘Malasakit Health Cards.’ Numerous individuals and their families, have expressed deep appreciation for benefitting from such a scheme, targeting the very poor for their health and hospital expenses. Around the 2nd quarter of last year, “Mayor” Digong came to Cebu with Special Assistant to the President Bong Go and Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Michael Dino to inaugurate the first Malasakit Center, a one-stop-shop situated in Vicente Sotto Medical Center, Cebu City. The hospital is likened to the Philippine General Hospital in its catering to the greater public need, inclusive of patients from Bohol, Negros Island, to Mindanao.

In brief, the President is providing R50 million a month to defray the cost of medical bills by indigent patients who have availed of the green-colored “Malasakit Health Card.” Every member is entitled to R75,000 support per consultation for medical bills covering non-cosmetic surgery, e.g., child delivery and other required medical procedures. The amount is a revolving fund which is constantly replenished and is a great support for the marginalized sectors which can avail of four hospitals enrolled in the welfare program. Word happily even spread that, “Mayor Digong” was irked why the R50-M fund every month was not fully utilized and expended?

Such a commendable advocacy, however, is being politicized by some social workers in the Sotto Hospital, due to misguided loyalty to the party in power in Cebu City. Reports reaching me say some employees are openly declaring to Malasakit members, “There is no more money left.” Or scolding them with, “Why are you using ‘Malasakit Cards’ when there are other available health cards?” Caution, do not put your political party in bad light. The President disdains making our people suffer, Wait, till he hears of this!