Go reminds DOH to prioritize health care for poor

MANILA, Philippines — As chair of the Commission on Appointments committee on health, Sen. Bong Go sponsored the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Dr. Ted Herbosa as secretary of the Department of Health on Tuesday.

During the CA plenary session, Go emphasized the need to prioritize poor and vulnerable Filipinos and maintain continuity in government health programs.

During the committee hearing earlier that day, Go focused on the continued support for Malasakit Centers, as mandated by Republic Act 11463, the Malasakit Centers Act. He sought the health secretary’s commitment to these centers, underscoring their essential role in providing aid to indigent patients.

Go’s inquiry aimed to ensure that DOH would uphold the provisions of the act and properly implement the Malasakit Centers program, recognizing its importance in providing medical assistance for underprivileged Filipinos.

In response to Go’s inquiries, Herbosa affirmed DOH’s commitment to enhancing health care accessibility through the continued operation and support of Malasakit centers. He confirmed that over a hundred of these centers, located in various hospitals under DOH, will continue to operate and provide assistance to indigent patients.

Go also delved into various health concerns, including the rising cases of influenza, and the proper preparations and management of possible health emergencies. He highlighted the significant roles played by health care workers during the pandemic and stressed the need for their proper compensation based on RA 11712.

Go is one of the authors and co-sponsors of RA 11712, a law that provides for continuing benefits and allowances to health care workers during public health emergencies. Despite the lifting of the state of public health emergency in July, many health care workers have yet to receive their health emergency allowances.

“Hopefully the government can provide what is due to our health care workers,” the senator said.

In addressing rising health concerns, Herbosa reiterated the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of social distancing and voluntary wearing of face masks, as key preventive measures to curb the spread of illnesses. His advice highlighted the continued relevance of these practices in the context of current and emerging health challenges.