A 26-year-old Parañaque resident shared how Malasakit Centers covered his entire hospital bill after he suffered from a life-threatening heart condition, highlighting the program's role in providing accessible healthcare for indigent Filipinos.

John Lazaro had always been active, balancing work and personal responsibilities, but on 28 October 2024, his life changed unexpectedly. He collapsed after experiencing a racing heartbeat and blurred vision and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) — a condition that causes the heart to beat abnormally fast.

To stabilize his condition, doctors administered adenosine, a crucial but expensive drug. His family, unprepared for the emergency, feared the financial strain of his hospitalization. However, hospital staff referred them to the Malasakit Center, where they were assured that financial assistance was available.

"Bago ako ma-admit sa ospital, tinurukan ako ng gamot like adenosine na sinagot din ng Malasakit Center. Kasi ‘yung adenosine, mahal na gamot," Lazaro shared.

(Before I was admitted to the hospital, I was given medication like adenosine, which was also covered by the Malasakit Center. Because adenosine is an expensive drug)

The aid did not stop with the medication.

"Hindi lang ‘yung gamot ang tinulungan ng Malasakit Center kundi pati laboratory tests at buong hospital bill ko. Paglabas ko sa ospital, wala kaming nilabas na kahit piso," he added.

(The Malasakit Center didn’t just help with the medication, but also covered my laboratory tests and entire hospital bill. When I was discharged, we didn’t have to spend a single peso.)

Without this assistance, John and his family would have been burdened with significant medical expenses.

The Malasakit Centers program, spearheaded by Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, is a one-stop shop designed to help indigent patients reduce hospital costs. Under Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, the program has expanded to 167 centers nationwide, assisting over 17 million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

For John, the program’s impact goes beyond financial relief — it gave him a second chance at life.

"‘Pag narinig ko po ang pangalang Senator Bong Go, ang pumapasok po sa isip ko ay Mr. Malasakit. Na-witness ko rin kung paano siya tumulong sa mahihirap noon, lalo na nung COVID. At lumaganap talaga ang Malasakit Center dahil sa kanya. Isa ako sa mga natulungan. Buhay pa rin ako dahil do’n," he said.

(When I hear the name Senator Bong Go, what comes to mind is 'Mr. Malasakit.' I witnessed how he helped the poor before, especially during COVID. The Malasakit Center expanded because of him, as he truly wanted to assist our less fortunate countrymen. I was one of those who benefited from it, and here I am today — still alive because of it.)

John hopes that more Filipinos in need can benefit from Malasakit Centers, which continue to bridge the gap between urgent medical care and financial accessibility.

"Maraming salamat, Sen. Bong Go, dahil isa ako sa mga natulungan mo. Sana dumami pa at lumaganap ang Malasakit Center sa bansa," he added.

(Many thanks, Sen. Bong Go, because I am one of the people you have helped. I hope you help more and that Malasakit Centers spread across the Philippines.)