Senator Christopher “Bong” Go welcomed the turnover and ribbon-cutting of the Super Health Center in Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental, saying the new facility will bring primary healthcare services closer to residents, especially those who otherwise have to travel long distances for medical care.

The activity was held in coordination with the local government led by Mayor Peve Obaniana-Ligan as the municipality took another step toward strengthening its grassroots healthcare system.

Go, a longtime advocate of healthcare reforms, has pushed to establish Super Health Centers in strategic communities nationwide to complement existing rural health units and hospitals.

He said accessible primary care is crucial in preventing illnesses from worsening and becoming more costly to treat.

“It is better to detect and address an illness early, before it becomes more serious. That is why we continue to bring medical services closer to communities, so our fellow Filipinos no longer have to travel long distances to access their basic health care needs,” Go said.

Free consultations

Super Health Centers provide primary care, consultations, early disease detection, and other basic health services at the community level.

Depending on each facility’s capabilities and staffing, services may include laboratory examinations, diagnostic services, maternal and child care, immunization, pharmacy services and other outpatient healthcare programs.

Municipal health offices, local government units, and PhilHealth’s primary care programs may also provide free consultations.

Go emphasized that strengthening healthcare should begin in communities, where early consultation and preventive care can reduce the need for hospitalization later on.

“Not every illness needs to become severe before a person goes to the hospital. If there is a well-equipped primary care facility near their home, we can detect and treat illnesses earlier,” he said.