164th Malasakit Center opens in South Cotabato

THE 164th Malasakit Center in the country has been officially opened at the Soccsksargen General Hospital in Surallah, South Cotabato on Thursday, May 2.

Sen. Bong Go, founder of the Malasakit Centers program nationwide, was present during the inauguration.

The event marked another milestone in a nationwide effort to streamline medical assistance, especially for underprivileged Filipinos, the senator said.

“Congratulations to our Soccsksargen General Hospital on your new Malasakit Center. This is now the 164th Malasakit Center in the entire Philippines. 43 in Mindanao, 91 in Luzon, 30 in Visayas.

This is a one-stop shop, and this is for the Filipino,” said Go in an interview on the same day.

Other Malasakit Centers in the region are located at the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City and Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in General Santos City.

The Malasakit Centers program, initiated by Senator Go in 2018, was a significant step towards reducing the burden on patients, particularly the underprivileged, by consolidating the medical assistance programs of various government agencies under one roof. These include the Department of Health, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the

Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

The program was institutionalized through the Republic Act 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act, which Go principally sponsored and authored in 2019.

The inspiration behind the Malasakit Centers stemmed from Senator Go’s close observations of the hardships faced by impoverished sectors when availing themselves of needed government assistance for medical services.

“In the Malasakit Center, we’ve made it easier for the poor. You no longer need to endure long queues or navigate different offices to seek medical help. The four agencies that can assist you are conveniently located in one room inside the hospital. Just approach them; it’s for every Filipino, especially the poor and indigent patients.” said Go.

Since its inception, the program has successfully aided over 10 million Filipinos, a testament to its wide-reaching impact nationwide.

“The establishment of the 164th center in South Cotabato is a continuation of the government’s effort, promising easier access to medical assistance for the residents of South Cotabato and the rest of Mindanao,” he added.