58th Malasakit Center launched in Cagayan

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go attended the launching of the Malasakit Center in Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC) in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan the other day to serve the residents, especially those in need of fast, affordable and reliable health care assistance in the province.

The center is the 58th in the country and the first Malasakit Center to open in Cagayan Valley Region. The launch is a milestone for the Malasakit Center program as it ensures that all regions nationwide now have access to these one-stop shops.

In his speech, Go thanked the residents of Cagayan Valley for their continuous support for the Duterte administration. “Thank you, now let me repay your support with my service.”

The senator explained how the centers can assist indigent and poor patients and those in need of medical and financial assistance. He also stressed all Filipinos can avail of assistance from these centers.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop for indigent and poor patients seeking medical and financial assistance. Patients only need to fill out one form to avail of various assistances from concerned government agencies.

With the passage of Republic Act 11463, all Department of Health (DOH)-run hospitals in the country will get their own Malasakit Center, he said. “This guarantees the continuity of the program well beyond the Duterte administration.”

Go lamented the painstaking process some Filipinos have to go through, sometimes even needing to queue up at government offices often located in separate areas, just to avail of medical and financial services.

Concerned agencies extending medical and financial assistance that will be housed in these centers are PhilHealth, Department of Social Welfare and Development, DOH and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Go also committed to help CVMC increase its bed capacity from the current 500 to 1,000 so they can assist more patients in the region.

He told patients in need of treatment from medical specialists that he is willing to help them.