The Malasakit Centers Program, pioneered by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go five years ago, has achieved a significant milestone by providing streamlined medical and financial assistance to over 500,000 Davaoeños.
“Mahigit 500,000 patients na po ang natulungan sa buong Davao Region ng Malasakit Center,” Go said, even as he emphasized the impact of the program in the region.
Go has advocated for the continuing operations and expansion of more Malasakit Centers, which have been instrumental in assisting thousands of indigent patients across the Davao Region and seven million Filipinos nationwide.
Currently, five centers are operational in the Davao Region, with a sixth one set to open soon in Davao Occidental. This expansion will increase the total number of centers in the region to six, enhancing their reach and effectiveness.
“Ang Malasakit Center sa SPMC (Southern Philippines Medical Center) sa Davao City, ang kine-cater po niyan, hindi lang taga-Davao City. Buong Mindanao, pwedeng lumapit diyan,” said Go.
Other Malasakit Centers in the Davao Region are strategically located in various medical facilities, including the Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital branches in Laak, Montevista, Maragusan, and Pantukan, Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital in Digos City, Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center in Mati City, and the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Tagum City.
“Higit 500,000 na pasyente na ang natulungan sa Davao Region alone. At seven million patients na ang natulungan po ng Malasakit Center sa buong Pilipinas,” Go added, highlighting the program’s success.
The Malasakit Center in SPMC alone has served approximately 212,000 patients from 2019 to mid-2023, while the DRMC has assisted 129,432 patients during the same period.
Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which established the Malasakit Centers. The centers provide a one-stop shop of various government agencies including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
The 158 operational centers across the country aim to minimize hospital costs for impoverished patients.
