101st Malasakit Center launched in Ilocos Norte
Integrating various government health services easier access and convenience, the 101st Malasakit Center in the country was launched in Ilocos Norte, particularly at the Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital (GRBASMH), earlier today, February 11, 2021.
The Republic Act No. 11463 or the “Malasakit Centers Act of 2019,” authored by Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, aims to improve the delivery of health care services to indigent patients by establishing a one-stop-shop where government medical and financial assistance is available.
The center will house the four government agencies namely, Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.
Senator Go turned-over a check worth P 5 Million as an initial fund for the Malasakit Center. Further, GRBASMH will receive a monthly P 5 Million fund from the Office of the President.
“Ang requirement lang po dito sa Malasakit Center ay basta Pilipino ka. Walang pinipili ang center na ito,” Senator Go remarked.
“Kami po ay nandito upang makapagbigay ng kaunting tulong sa mga pasiente. At kung may pasiente kayo na hindi kayang operahan sa inyong hospital, willing kaming tumulong sa Maynila pati pamasahe ay sasagutin namin,” he added.
Aside from the monthly fund, Senator Go has pledged to provide P 10 Million cash aid to Ilocos Norte’s first Malasakit Center.
In his message, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc thanked Senator Go for facilitating the establishment of the Malasakit Center in the province. Also, he gave credit to Dr. Rogelio Balbag, Ilocos Norte Hospital Management Council Executive Officer, for spearheading the initiative on behalf of the Provincial Government.
“I am sure that this will go a long way in ensuring the convenience for all our patients, especially to our indigent patients… We look forward to many more projects in the future. And we look forward to your continuing assistance and partnership with us as we move forward,” Governor Manotoc expressed.
Along with the Senator’s visit is the distribution of few bicycles and tablet gadgets to frontliners as well as facemasks, face shields, vitamins, and meals to patients; while the DSWD extended financial assistance to patients currently admitted in the hospital.
