SEN. Bong Go underscored the crucial role of a super health center (SHC) in bringing government health care closer to Filipinos, especially those in remote areas.
As the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go has made it his mission to ensure that all Filipinos, regardless of financial status, have access to medical attention. His commitment to health care accessibility is unwavering and is a driving force behind the establishment of SHCs.
"When there was no Super Health Center, pregnant women would give birth in tricycles, in jeepneys. Sometimes, the journey to the hospital is long. Now, you have a Super Health Center here in your place. Minor cases can be handled here. We will still improve this," Go said in his address during the inauguration of the SHC in Banga, South Cotabato, on Thursday, May 2.
The setting up of around 700 SHCs nationwide, including seven in South Cotabato, is a testament to the power of collaboration.
Go, his fellow lawmakers, the Department of Health under Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and local government units have all played a crucial role in this endeavor.
Earlier that day, Go inspected such a center in Surallah town.
The senator described the SHCs as more than just medium-sized polyclinics.
"They are a beacon of hope designed to alleviate pressure on hospitals and address escalating health issues at the grassroots level. They are a testament to our commitment to health care accessibility for all," he said.
The SHCs are instrumental in early disease detection, providing primary care services such as vaccinations, health screenings, consultations under the Universal Health Care program and medical consultations covered by PhilHealth.
"It's one way to bring medical services closer to our fellow Filipinos. Because every Filipino, including all of us, is a member of PhilHealth, you can now consult there. The Super Health Center is a medium type of polyclinic; dental, laboratory and X-ray can be done there, including birthing or childbirth, and others," Go said.
The inauguration was also attended by Rep. Peter Miguel, Mayor Evangeline Palencia, Vice Mayor Gemma Lloren, Polomolok Mayor Bernie Palencia and Banga former mayor Albert Palencia, among others. Furthermore, the senator provided grocery packs to the barangay health workers in attendance, and shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select from them.
Earlier that day, Go led the launch of the 164th Malasakit Center at Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos) General Hospital in Surallah.
A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program is designed to ensure disadvantaged patients have convenient access to the medical assistance programs partner agencies offer.
It was later institutionalized under Republic Act 11463, which the senator principally sponsored and authored.