Go launches Malasakit Center in Negros Oriental

DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 24 (PIA)--Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go Saturday launched the new Malasakit Center in Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital, as a way of helping relieve the patients and their families medical financial problems. 

SAP Go said the health of the population is one of the top priorities of the Duterte administration.

“When we get sick, we usually don’t know where to go for help. But now with the Malasakit Center, they will be taught what to do,” said Go.

The Malasakit Center is the one-stop shop program of President Rodrigo Duterte to hasten the delivery of medical services and give poor patients access to free medicines. 

In President Duterte’s 3rd state of the nation address, he said that Go has been “instrumental” in putting up Malasakit Centers in Visayas, and has been expanding the program nationwide.

Under the program, patients are assisted in availing themselves of the services and financial assistance provided by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Department of Health (DoH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and PhilHealth.

Pooled together, the assistance can further reduce the patients’ medical bill including medicines, to a more affordable amount.

Go offered an initial fund of Php10 million for the operation, once the funds run out, it will be replenished upon liquidation by the hospital.

Go said ambulance services will also be provided for free in Negros Oriental Malasakit Center.

In his speech at the launching of the first Malasakit Center in the province, Go said he is aware of the situation of the less fortunate fellow Filipinos who are in need of medical assistance. 

Bong Go also said senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) are top priorities of the Malasakit Centers. 

After a short message during the launching of the center, Go went to the hospital wards to visit some patients. 

Governor Roel Degmo expressed his sincerest gratitude to Go and President Duterte for the Malasakit Center program provided in the area.

Several Malasakit Centers around the country will be inaugurated and launched this September. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1013277
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