Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Super Health Center located in Barangay Dumoy, Davao City on Tuesday, 16 January.

In his speech, Go highlighted that the event marks a significant stride in the country's healthcare development, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that the pandemic has brought to light the various challenges and limitations faced by the country's health infrastructure.

The establishment of the Super Health Center is seen as a crucial step towards strengthening the healthcare services available to the Filipino people, according to Go.

“As your chairman sa Committee on Health and Demograpy, importante sa akin ang health. Alam nyo ang katumbas nitong kalusugan ay buhay po ng bawat Pilipino kaya importante sa akin ang health. Kaya ako nagsusumikap akong makatulong sa atin na ma-improve at mag-invest tayo sa ating healthcare system para mailapit ang serbisyo medikal sa mga nangangailangan nito,” stressed Go in an interview on the same day.

According to Go, the Super Health Center in Barangay Dumoy is designed to provide comprehensive basic health care services. One of its key objectives is to ensure that quality medical care is accessible to residents, eliminating the need for them to travel long distances to receive medical attention.

This approach not only makes healthcare more accessible but also more efficient, especially for those living in remote or underserved areas.

“Iyan ang pamamaraan na ilapit natin ang serbisyo medikal sa ating mga kababayan. Ang kagandahan nito early disease detection para hindi na lumala ang sakit, para magamot na agad. So iyan ang Super Health Center. Masaya ako na may itatayo na labing isa, eleven na itatayo sa 2022 at 2023 sa Davao City alone at mahigit 700 ang itatayo sa buong Pilipinas,” cited Go.

Services offered in Super Health Centers include database management, outpatient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: X-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine.

Through the collective efforts of the Department of Health (DOH), fellow lawmakers, and local government units, sufficient funds have been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022, 322 in 2023, and 132 in 2024. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed.

Apart from Barangay Dumoy, necessary funds were allocated to construct more Super Health Centers in Barangays Cabantian, Malabog, Calinan, Catalunan Grande, Los Amigos, Indangan, Paquibato, Tacunan, Tibungco, and Toril Proper.

On the same day, Go also attended the ribbon cutting and turnover ceremonies of Super Health Centers in Barangays Los Amigos and Toril Proper.

Go was accompanied by Councilors Richlyn “Che-Che” Justol-Baguilod, Trisha Ann “Potpot” Villafuerte, Conde Baluran, Enzo Villafuerte, Sweet Advincula, Temujin "Tek" Ocampo, Bonz Andre Militar, and Cocoy Zozobrado, among others. The senator gave away small tokens to some barangay health workers and residents in the area.

The senator also encouraged his fellow Davaoeños to focus on their health and utilize the services of the Malasakit Center at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) for any government-related medical help.

The 159 Malasakit Centers across the country have aided around ten million indigent Filipinos, as reported by the DOH. Republic Act No. 11463, the Act establishing Malasakit Centers, was principally authored and sponsored by Go, aiming to provide Filipinos with easy access to government medical assistance programs.

Go also said in his speech that he will continue to help the government in enhancing public health as he pushes for more legislative initiatives aimed at bolstering the healthcare infrastructure of the country.

He has introduced Senate Bill No. 195, which proposes the establishment of a Center for Disease Control (CDC). This center, once established by law, would serve as the primary national institution for the prevention, monitoring, and management of diseases. Its responsibilities would cover both infectious and non-infectious diseases, offering a holistic approach to public health.

Alongside SBN 195, Go is also advocating for SBN 196. This bill aims to create a Virology Science and Technology Institute, envisioned as a focal point for virology research. This institute would significantly improve the nation's proficiency in identifying, studying, and addressing both new and recurring infectious diseases.

On the same day, Go also attended the oath-taking of new Davao civil engineers at Dusit Thani Hotel in the city.