Go lauds health workers

TARLAC CITY, Philippines — Senatorial candidate and former special assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has affirmed his solidarity with barangay health workers (BHWs) and lauded them for their crucial role in providing quality healthcare and medical services to uplift the life of each and every Filipino.

“I care for the health of the Filipino people. An effective and efficient healthcare system is vital in ensuring that our people remain healthy and productive. Your role as BHWs is crucial in furthering this cause,” he said.

Go was guest of honor in the 21st Barangay Health Workers Congress held last Tuesday.

 The annual event - held every first week of December - aims to emphasize the vital role of barangay health workers in the delivery of government health services to the grassroots.

Go thanked the BHWs for their sacrifice and service in making sure that every Filipino, especially those in the grassroots, is given importance when it comes to their healthcare needs.

“Your role is important to the community because you are the first to respond to the health needs of the people. My heartfelt thanks for your service, contribution, and continued support for the country,” he said in Filipino.

Go stressed the importance of recognizing the role of BHWs especially since their positions are still considered “voluntary in nature” despite their serving as “frontliners” in the delivery of medical services to the communities.

He voiced his commitment to push for measures to improve the welfare of all BHWs so that they can be more productive in fulfilling their mandate.

“I’ll find ways to enhance the benefits for BHWs. Like other government workers, they should be duly recognized, and their role in the community given more importance,” he pointed out.

Go also said that he is aware of the difficulty some Filipinos are experiencing in availing themselves of quality healthcare, which is why he plans to push for measures that would make services easily accessible to those who need government attention the most.

“The sick do not have to suffer more just to get medical help. How can a patient get well if he is made to worry about paying his medical bills?”

 Go has been instrumental in establishing Malasakit Centers nationwide. The Malasakit Center is a “one stop shop” where indigent patients can avail of financial assistance from various government agencies, such as the Department of Health, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philhealth, PAGCOR, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Bong Go explained that through the center, those seeking government support in paying their hospital bills need not go to different government offices for help. They only need to go to one place to avail of the medical assistance they need.