Bong Go inspects SHC in Palawan

SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has urged the government to bring public health services closer to Filipinos in need as he inspected the Super Health Center (SHC) in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

The senator on Saturday inspected the SHC in Barangay Inagawan as he fully supports “more government interventions to enhance the country’s health care system.”

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography reiterated his commitment to improve access to public health services and medical facilities, especially in the grassroots.

“We should invest in our health care system because we don’t know if this [Covid-19] is the only pandemic that will come in our lives,” Go said.

The senator said he supports the establishment of specialty hospitals in the provinces so that Filipinos, especially the poor, need not have to go to Manila for treatment.

“We should be more proactive in our health care system so that we will we be ready [for any eventuality],” Go said in a chance interview.

He cited that the government has allotted nearly P3.6 billion for the construction of 307 SHCs nationwide this year.

The SHCs offer basic medical services such as database management, outpatient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: X-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine.

Aside from Puerto Princesa, four more SHCs will be established in the province of Palawan, including in Balabac, Quezon, Sofronio and Taytay.

Go also led a relief operation for 2,000 struggling residents in Puerto Princesa City. He handed out grocery packs, masks, vitamins, shirts, umbrellas and meals.

Go gave away mobile phones and watches to select beneficiaries while others received shoes, bicycles, and balls for volleyball and basketball as part of Go’s advocacy to promote grassroots sports development.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial aid through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.