MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go attended the groundbreaking of a new super health center in Barangay North Bay Boulevard South Kaunlaran, Navotas on Friday.
In his speech, the senator said that this event underscores the government’s commitment to bringing essential services closer to the Filipino people, particularly in areas where healthcare resources are scarce.
“There will be more than 700 super health centers in the country, including the one in Navotas,” he said.
The super health center initiative, according to Go who advocated for its establishment, is a pivotal part of the government’s strategy to enhance the country’s healthcare system. By establishing these centers, the government aims to decongest hospitals, which are often overwhelmed with patients.
These centers will serve as a first line of defense in the healthcare system, addressing basic health needs and facilitating early detection of diseases in the community level.
The super health center is an enhanced version of a rural health unit, offering basic health services such as database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation areas, diagnostic services (including laboratory tests, x-rays, and ultrasounds), pharmacy services, and ambulatory surgical units.
Additionally, these centers provide services such as eye, ear, nose, and throat care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers and telemedicine, which enables remote diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Through the collective efforts of Go as vice chairperson of the Senate committee on finance, the Department of Health (DOH), local government units and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds were allocated for 307 super health centers in 2022 and 322 more in 2023. There will also be 132 super health centers funded in 2024. In Navotas, two such centers were funded.
The DOH is the leading implementing agency that identifies the areas where the super health centers will be constructed.