Medical services
ADMITTEDLY, many sick Filipinos, notably in impoverished and far-flung communities across the country, still die without seeing a medical doctor or other health professionals.
Thus, it is certainly heartening to know that President Rodrigo Duterte has signed 13 new laws that seek to “improve” delivery of health services in various parts of the country.
Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go, a close friend of the Chief Executive, orchestrated the passage of the landmark pieces of legislation in the 24-member Philippine Senate.
Under the measures, the government will set up new medical facilities and increase the bed capacities and upgrade the capabilities of select hospitals in nine provinces and Metro Manila.
These provinces are La Union, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Palawan, Leyte, Negros Occidental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental and Davao Occidental, according to Senator Go.
During his sponsorship in the Senate, Go, chair of the committee on health, said he would not stop fighting for the good of the Filipino people, particularly the poorest of the poor.
“Kahit anong hirap ang pagdaanan ko, basta kapakanan nila (taumbayan), ipaglalaban ko,” said Senator Go, who is also chief architect of the highly-popular “Malasakit Center” program.
During the signing ceremony, held last Thursday, Duterte said he would continue to work with legislators and other stakeholders in addressing the health needs of the people.
He described the 13 laws as very crucial in strengthening the capacity of the country’s health care system as the Filipino people continue to battle the raging COVID-19 pandemic.
Go and other members of Congress deserve the support of the people as they find ways and means to meet the mushrooming medical needs of the burgeoning population.
