For all Filipinos to have easy access to medical care, the planned P311.3 billion budget for the Department of Health (DOH) for 2024 should be increased.
The establishment of more Super Health Centers, the continuation of Malasakit Center operations across the country, and the proper implementation of the recently passed Regional Specialty Centers Act should all be covered by the DOH budget for the upcoming fiscal year, according to Senate Committee on Health Chairman Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go.
Go claimed that each of these three objectives to provide Filipinos who require medical care with such services.
“I am happy that this is also the priority of President Marcos,” Go stated in reference to Republic Act No. 11959, better known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which had the backing of all 24 senators.
Go continued, “Everyone supported this because we were able to clearly explain how this can actually help our citizens who are poor.” “Lahat ay sumuporta dito dahil na-explain natin ng mabuti na makakatulong talaga ito sa mga kababayan nating mahihirap,” he said.
The law’s primary goal is to decentralize specialized medical services and make them available throughout all regions, but the senator also emphasized the necessity for enough funds to build the speciality centers under the law.
Go made note of the challenges people from outlying places encounter when attempting to access specialized medical care in Manila.
We all know how difficult it is for these patients to get to Manila; they do not have enough money for transportation, he said. “Alam naman natin napakahirap pong pumunta dito sa Maynila. Wala silang pamasahe — ‘yung pasyente.”
Go reiterated his desire for more Super Health Centers at the same time, claiming that they will enhance PhilHealth’s Konsulta program.
Database management, outpatient, childbirth, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit are among the services provided in Super Health Centers. Eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) services, oncology facilities, physical therapy and rehabilitation facilities, and telemedicine are additional services that are offered.
In order for the Super Health Centers to function properly, the senator also discussed the requirement for a thorough assessment to make sure there wouldn’t be any staffing shortages.
