Bong Go: Watchers need halfway house

The role of patient watchers is often overlooked, as the burden of illness extends beyond those confined in hospital beds to the relatives who remain by their side day and night. Senator Christopher “Bong” Go underscored this as he advanced a proposal to establish halfway houses near key government hospitals.

The senator said family members who take turns as designated watchers, whether a spouse, parent, grandchild, or other relatives, absorb the emotional, physical, and financial strain of prolonged hospitalization.

Go, as vice chairperson of the Senate Health Committee, noted that while clinical treatment focuses on the patient, recovery is closely tied to the endurance and presence of those accompanying them.

“It’s not just the patient who comes to the hospital. There’s also a spouse, parent, grandchild, or niece/nephew who leaves work and family behind to keep watch,” Go said. “They are the quiet ones supporting the healing process — tired and stretched thin, yet they keep going..”

The remarks follow Go’s recent visit to Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Balay Pahulayan in Davao City, where he personally checked on families temporarily staying near the hospital.

Part of health service system

Go reiterated that policies and programs must recognize patient watchers as part of the healthcare equation. He said that modest interventions — food, temporary shelter, and transport assistance — can ease daily pressures that accumulate over weeks or months of hospital stays.

“There are families who take turns keeping watch — sometimes the spouse, sometimes the child, sometimes the grandchild,” he added.

“Even simple help with meals or transportation brings them great relief.”

Go also shared that his concept of halfway houses was inspired years ago in Davao City during the administration of then-Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

From those early beginnings, the concept evolved into a model for national hospitals — an initiative designed to alleviate the hardship of families and other companions who often travel and bear silent sacrifices for their patients.

Other similar facilities championed by Go, whether already constructed or in various stages of development, are located at University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Southern Philippines Medical Center, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Philippine Heart Center, and Dr. Jose Rodriguez Memorial Hospital.

The senator also pointed to the continued operation of Malasakit Centers as a complementary support mechanism for families struggling with medical costs.

He is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the program nationwide.