Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has championed a series of important health bills with the aim of improving the accessibility of government services for the Filipino people, particularly the poor and indigents.
These proposed measures seek to bridge the gap between citizens and essential healthcare, as well as enhance mental health support across communities.
The first bill, the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which recently passed the Senate’s third and final reading, is currently awaiting the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Go, an author and the principal sponsor of the bill, underscored the significance of establishing specialty centers in various regions.
If enacted, these centers would provide specialized medical services to individuals who cannot afford or travel to Metro Manila for treatment at National Specialty Centers like the Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center, or National Kidney and Transplant Institute.
“With this, we can bring medical services closer to our fellow citizens who have serious illnesses but lack the means to come to Metro Manila for treatment at specialty hospitals,” said Go.
The bill’s bicameral conference report includes provisions for establishing specialty centers within existing government-owned and controlled corporations or specialty hospitals, ensuring the availability of quality healthcare in different regions.
Furthermore, the Regional Specialty Centers Act sets clear service standards that the Department of Health (DOH) will establish in hospitals serving subnational and regional catchment populations.
By doing so, the bill aims to ensure that these specialty centers possess the necessary expertise and resources to effectively address patients’ specialized medical needs across the country.
The measure also specifies the medical specialties that the DOH will prioritize in the establishment of these centers, further streamlining the provision of specialized care.
In addition to the Regional Specialty Centers Act, Go has been a strong advocate for mental health support in the country. In this regard, Go has also filed Senate Bill No. 1786 which seeks to mandate public higher education institutions (HEIs) to establish Mental Health Offices on their respective campuses.
Recognizing the importance of mental health, Go emphasizes the need to address mental health disorders, which are often overlooked and underestimated.
“Addressing mental health disorders requires comprehensive efforts, including awareness, services, and mechanisms within our educational institutions. We must create a supportive environment that promotes mental health and wellness,” said Go.
If enacted into law, the bill would require HEIs to establish Mental Health Offices staffed with trained professionals who can provide support and assistance to students and the broader HEI community.
The measure also highlights the importance of raising awareness, providing necessary services, and developing mechanisms to promote mental health and wellness within educational institutions.
Go believes that by establishing Mental Health Offices in higher education institutions, mental health and wellness among the youth can be better addressed.
“Mental health is a pressing issue in our society, and we must prioritize it. By mandating the establishment of Mental Health Offices in public higher education institutions, we can provide the necessary support and assistance to students and the broader educational community,” said Go.
Recognizing that a well-functioning healthcare system is essential for the country’s progress, Go also reiterated the importance of investing in health infrastructure as a vital component of national development.
He stressed that by expanding and modernizing healthcare facilities, the government can ensure that Filipinos receive timely and adequate medical attention, regardless of their location or economic status. That is why he has initiated early on the establishment of Super Health Centers nationwide.
“Ito pong Super Health Center, isa po ito sa pamamaraan para ilapit natin ang serbisyo medikal sa ating mga kababayan at madi-decongest ang mga ospital dahil hindi na kailangan na pumunta pa ng ospital sa siyudad, pwede na po diyan sa komunidad mismo na may Super Health Center ‘yung mga primary care,” he explained.
“Napondohan po ang 307 na Super Health Center sa year 2022 sa buong Pilipinas at 322 na Super Health Center sa buong Pilipinas sa year 2023. Ang Super Health Center po is a medium type of a polyclinic na kung saan ay pwede po diyan ang panganganak, dental, laboratory, x-ray at iba pa. Itu-turn over po ito sa LGU at pwede pa nila palawakin pa ang serbisyo doon,” Go explained.
Super Health Centers shall offer basic medical services under one roof, such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services in Super Health Centers are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done.
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