Senator Bong Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, stressed the importance of investing in healthcare infrastructure, with a particular focus on the establishment of Super Health Centers in far-flung communities.
The senator cited why it is necessary to have a more holistic approach in bolstering the country's health sector, saying, "Nakita naman natin ang naging epekto ng pandemya sa ating bansa. Kaya mas mabuting maging handa tayo… The more that we need to invest in our healthcare system."
The Super Health Center in San Jose is in addition to 12 other centers that will be established in strategic areas in the province. Under the 2022 national budget, Super Health Centers in the province were funded in San Pascual, Agoncillo, Calatagan, Lipa City, Malvar, Taysan, and Ibaan. In 2023, more centers were identified to be established in the towns of San Juan, Tingloy, Lian, and San Jose. In addition, two more Super Health Centers were funded in Lipa City.
Through the collective efforts of Go, DOH, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated for the establishment of 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023.
"Magagamit ito sa pagkokonsulta and it will help decongest the hospitals. Pwede na pong gamutin dito — primary care, consultation, early detection of diseases — mas maganda po 'yon para hindi na lumala ang sakit ng mga pasyente," Go cited.
By ensuring that every citizen, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, has access to quality healthcare services, the government can make significant strides toward achieving better healthcare coverage, Go said.
In line with his commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Filipinos, Go offered assistance to beneficiaries in need of medical attention. He encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Centers at the Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery and Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City if they required government medical assistance.
There are now 159 Malasakit Centers nationwide. Each acts as a one-stop shop for medical assistance programs where relevant agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, DOH, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office are housed under one roof to reduce patients' hospital expenses to the lowest possible amount.
Lastly, Go cited the enactment of Republic Act 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act which he principally sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. It stands as a testament to the commitment of the government to uplift the nation's health infrastructure and bring actual medical services closer to the Filipino people.
"We have to bridge the gap. Let's make healthcare not just something people hear about but something they can actually experience and benefit from," he concluded.
To further boost infrastructure development in the province, Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Alitagtag, Batangas City, Ibaan, Lemery, Lipa City, Mabini, San Jose, San Juan, San Luis, San Nicolas, Santo Tomas, and Taal; the concretion of farm-to-market roads in Agoncillo, Laurel, Nasugbu, and Tuy; the acquisition of ambulance units in Ibaan and Lemery; and the acquisition of multipurpose vehicles in Lipa City and San Juan.