Senate Committee on Health and Demography Chair Bong Go again underscored the importance of having greater access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas.

On 18 October Go's team provided assistance to hundreds of vulnerable residents in Orani, Bataan.

In a video message, Go said he remains steadfast in promoting a stronger healthcare system in the country.

"Napakaimportante po na ating bigyang halaga ang ating kalusugan, lalo na't nasa gitna pa tayo ng pandemya. Kung magkakasakit kayo, maaaring hindi kayo makakapagtrabaho. Delikado po ito lalo na para sa mga 'no work, no pay,'" he stressed.

"Let us continue investing in our healthcare system. An investment in the health of our people is an investment in their future. Importante po ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Advocacy ko ang health, kaya naman sa abot po ng aking makakaya, asahan niyo na patuloy akong gagawa at susuporta ng mga programang magpapalakas ng ating healthcare."

Go principally authored and sponsored Republic Act 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. The law mandates all Department of Health-run hospitals and the Philippine General Hospital to establish their own Malasakit Centers that will help poor and indigent patients reduce their hospital bills to the lowest amount possible.

There are currently 152 Malasakit Centers nationwide, including those at Mariveles Mental Wellness and General Hospital and Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center in Balanga City.

These centers are one-stop shops which house relevant government agencies that offer medical assistance programs, such as the DOH, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Go's team assisted 333 residents at Orani multipurpose gymnasium where they gave away masks and snacks. They also provided cellular phones, shoes, and balls for basketball to select individuals.

DSWD representatives extended financial assistance.

Go, also the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported several projects, including the construction of Orani District Hospital with 150-bed capacity.