After pushing for additional budget for health programs in 2023

SENATOR and Health Committee Chair Christopher “Bong” Go is hopeful that the country’s public health care system will be further strengthened after successfully pushing for more funding for various health initiatives in 2023 particularly for poor and indigent patients.

In a statement, Go lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr for signing the 2023 national budget law. He also extended his appreciation to his fellow lawmakers and public servants from concerned departments and agencies who put in long hours on the budget process.

“This budget is very important and critical as we are gradually undertaking our inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Go.

“Given these allocations and mandates, it behooves everyone to ensure that no Filipino shall be left behind as we recover from this global health crisis as one united people,” he added.

Among the health programs successfully pushed by Go include additional funding for medical assistance for indigent patients; construction of Super Health Centers and specialty centers; Cancer Assistance Fund; hiring of immunization vaccinators to strengthen our immunization program for other diseases, especially for our children; funding for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation for expanded free dialysis coverage, mental health outpatient coverage, comprehensive outpatient benefit package including free medical check-up and other improvements in benefit package; and mental health programs.

“Nakita ko kung gaano kahirap ang mga kababayan natin. Minsan po isang kama, dalawang pasyente (naghahati) tapos nasa corridor lang. Iyan po ang katotohanan dito sa Pilipinas. Kaya the more we should invest sa ating health care system,” he said.

“Hindi rin natin alam kung ito na ba ang huling pandemyang darating sa buhay natin kaya dapat maging mas laging handa tayo sa anumang krisis pangkalusugan na ating maaaring harapin,” he stressed.

He also successfully appealed for additional allocations for the Health Facilities Enhancement Program for the upgrade of various health facilities, as well as for the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances for Health Care and Non-Health Care Workers.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga kasamahan ko sa Senado na sinuportahan rin po ang additional na pondo para sa Cancer Assistance Fund sa Senate Committee Report. Napakalaking tulong po nito,” said Go referring to the increase in the Cancer Assistance Fund.

“Kadalasan po napakagastos po ng isang cancer treatment at ito pong sakit na ito matagal na ito na kailangan ng suporta ng mga pasyente. So, natutuwa po ako na naaprubahan at hindi po ako titigil kung ano po ang makakatulong para mapalakas pa ang ating healthcare system,” he added.

By helping Filipino cancer patients and their families pay for the cost of cancer treatment and its care-related components, such as the necessary diagnostics and laboratories for the eight types of cancer that have been identified as priorities, the CAF aims to lessen the burden on them.

The Department of Health said that CAF “aims to complement and supplement existing financial support mechanisms for various cancer care and control services that are not yet covered by existing government and private-related efforts.”

Meanwhile, Go vowed to continue pushing for the establishment of more Super Health Centers throughout the country in a bid to improve healthcare access among Filipinos, especially in rural areas.

“Nasa strategic areas po siya nakalagay para hindi na po nila kailangan bumiyahe sa siyudad kapag may emergency cases. Meron na po silang sariling rural health care station,” explained Go.

Advocated by Go, Super Health Centers are medium versions of polyclinics and are bigger than rural health units, which offer basic services.