Go warns medical fixers victimizing needy Filipinos

The MC streamlines the application of medical and financial assistance from concerned government agencies and offices. #MalasakitCenter

Those who deal with illegal fixers will also be held liable under the law, said Sen. Go. (Analy Labor)

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Thursday warned medical fixers from taking advantage of the Malasakit Center program as he joined the opening of the one-stop shop for medical assistance at the San Juan Medical Center (SJMC).

“Binabalaan ko po ang mga illegal fixers. Mayroon po tayong batas laban sa mga manloloko,” Go said, referring to the Republic Act 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act which punishes illegal fixers, including government employees conniving with fixers.

Violators of the law may also face imprisonment of not exceeding six years and fines ranging from P20,000 to P200,000, or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court, according to the senator.

As for those who deal with illegal fixers when applying for documents from any government agencies, they will also be held liable under the law, Go said.

The MC at the San Juan Medical Center is the 56th such center opened in the country and the 27th opened in Luzon.

Pioneered by the senator when he was still Special Assistant to the President, the MC streamlines the application of medical and financial assistance from concerned government agencies and offices.

“Nandidiyan na po ang apat na ahensiya ng gobyerno na handang magbigay ng tulong sa mga taga-San Juan,” said Go referring to the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

The process of seeking assistance has also been simplified through the Malasakit Unified Form, which means there is only one form to fill up for Filipinos requesting assistance.

“Noon kailangan pa ninyong pumila sa iba’t ibang opisina. Ubos na ang panahon ninyo, ubos pa ang pamasahe ninyo. Ngayon dahil may Malasakit Center na tayo, magtutulungan (ang mga ahensiya ng gobyerno) para sa inyo,” Go said.

With the aim of reducing to the lowest amount possible the hospital bill balance of those seeking assistance, the center covers patient services and expenses, such as laboratories, medicines, surgeries or operations, with the exemption of professional fees and private room accommodation. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities will also be prioritized in the centers through an express lane.

During the visit, Go also shared that all DoH-run hospitals will now get their own Malasakit Centers with the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 11463 by President Duterte early this month.

“Tuloy-tuloy po ito sa lahat ng mga DoH-run hospitals. Ayon po sa batas, 73 na DoH-run hospitals ay lalagyan ng Malasakit Center,” he said.

Go also said the law allows local government units to establish Malasakit Centers provided that they meet the standards and criteria to ensure sustainability and consistency in the services provided by the centers.

“We have set criteria para sundin nila para hindi po bungi-bungi ang mga Malasakit Center,” he said.

“Pera niyo po ito. Ibinabalik lang sa inyo sa pamamagitan ng mabilis, maayos at maaasahang serbisyong medikal para sa lahat ng Pilipino,” Go added.