New hospital laws enacted for improved healthcare access

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go welcomed the enactment of three new hospital laws, citing their potential to alleviate patient congestion and broaden access to health care.

In a statement Wednesday, Go — who also chairs the Senate Committee on Health — expressed gratitude to his fellow lawmakers for supporting the measures, which he principally sponsored.

“I am grateful to my fellow lawmakers who helped enact these proposals. This is a step in fulfilling the promise to strengthen our public health system,” Go said.

The new laws establish or expand hospitals in several regions. Republic Act 12211 establishes a general hospital in Lucena City, Quezon Province. Republic Act 12212 doubles the bed capacity of the Wao District Hospital in Lanao del Sur. Republic Act 12213 expands the Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital in Bacoor, Cavite.

Go said the laws address the need for improved health care access in underserved areas.

“Not all Filipinos have a nearby hospital they can go to. So every additional bed in remote areas is a big deal. That’s one of the things I fought for in the Senate,” he said.

Go also served as principal sponsor and co-author of Republic Act 12210, which increases the bed capacity of the Philippine General Hospital in Manila.

The lawmaker said he intends to pursue further health reforms to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

“For my second term, with all sincerity, I will continue to push for pro-poor programs and laws, especially on health. Health is wealth. We must collaborate to bring quality medical services closer to our people, particularly the poor and indigent patients,” Go said.