Go lauds Senate OK of Regional Specialty Centers bill

MANILA, Philippines — In a significant step toward enhancing the health care system in the country, Sen. Bong Go expressed his gratitude to his fellow lawmakers as his proposed Senate Bill No. 2212, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, passed on third and final reading in the Senate.

In a manifestation on Monday, Go, placed significant emphasis on the invaluable role of the Filipino people in shaping public policies especially on the health care system.

“It is your experiences and stories that have driven us to create a health care system that is compassionate, accessible and designed to meet the needs of every Filipino,” Go said.

The measure was also authored by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate Majority Floor Leader Joel Villanueva, Senators Sonny Angara, JV Ejercito, Pia Cayetano, Jinggoy Estrada, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Win Gatchalian, Francis Escudero, Ronald dela Rosa, Ramon Revilla Jr., Cynthia Villar and Loren Legarda. It was also co-authored by Senators Francis Tolentino and Raffy Tulfo.

The senator also expressed his gratitude to the senators who supported the bill, including Senators Grace Poe, Alan Peter Cayetano, Nancy Binay, Mark Villar and Lito Lapid.

He also acknowledged the invaluable inputs shared by Senate Minority Floor Leader Senator Aquilino Pimentel III and Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

The proposed bill mandates the Department of Health to establish specialty centers in DOH hospitals in every region within five years.

This approach leverages the expertise and availability of health care professionals already working in these regional hospitals.

Particular emphasis will be placed on establishing heart, lung and kidney centers that replicate the capabilities of the National Specialty Centers in Metro Manila.