Bong Go highlights plans to improve access to health services

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Former special presidential assistant and 2019 senatorial candidate Christopher “Bong” Go on Sunday called for more funding for health services, saying it would be a prudent use of government resources.

“If you have money, let’s use it for health services to safeguard the health of each Filipino,” Go told the people of Zamboanga during the rally of the senatorial slate of the ruling party, Partido Demokratikong Pilipino.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the state is mandated “to protect and promote the right to health of the people.”

“My dream is to have a government that looks after the people, giving efficient, quick and reliable service especially when it comes to medical programs,” Go said, adding that providing quality healthcare would lead to more productive citizens.

However, Go lamented that many government health institutions lack adequate facilities to deal with a large number of patients, particularly the poor, who are seeking treatment at public hospitals.

“Let’s improve health services throughout the country. Hospital beds are lacking, sometimes patients are lined up outside the ward. How can they get well if there’s only one bed and two or three patients?” Go pointed out.

He said additional funding for public hospitals would go a long way to increase their bed capacities and acquire additional facilities that could provide a more comfortable environment conducive to faster recovery.

Also part of his advocacy to improve the delivery of health services in the country is the establishment of more Malasakit Centers.

Based on Go’s idea, Malasakit Center is a program of the administration of President Duterte meant to make it easier and faster for poor patients to avail themselves of medical and financial assistance from the government by bringing together in one room all concerned government agencies, such as the DOH, DSWD, PCSO and PhilHealth.

“There’s a Malasakit Center here in Zamboanga. That’s what I want to legislate so that even if President Duterte is no longer president, the program will go on,” said Go.

He earlier envisioned that through legislation, Malasakit Centers can be established in more provinces and key urban centers in the country.

Also part of Go’s plans for improved delivery of health services are efforts to raise the salary of public nurses and regular benefits for barangay health workers.

Go also gave assurance that he would be continuing the change in the Philippines that started because of Duterte.

President Duterte also told the Zamboangueños during his speech to support Bong Go. According to the President, Go is “a sincere and honest public servant.”

“If there is one word to describe Bong Go, sincere,” said the President, reiterating how Go served him and the people with utmost sincerity and honesty for more than 20 years.

Duterte said in past statements that Go only has one vice: service.

Likewise, Go said that as much as he could he is ready to reach out to the Filipinos who need assistance wherever they are.

“Wala po kaming ibang hangarin ni Pangulong Duterte kundi ang kabutihan ng bawat Pilipino dahil mahal namin kayo (President Duterte and I have no other goal than the welfare of each Filipino because we love you),” Go added, professing love for all Filipinos.

Apart from improved delivery of health services and the fight against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption, Go’s legislative agenda include programs for agriculture, education, housing for the poor, long-term sports development, fire protection and prevention, localized peace talks, barangay welfare, creation of a Department of OFW and improved benefits for senior citizens.