Andanar: Malasakit Center reflects Duterte admin’s genuine malasakit to
indigent Filipinos
MANILA - Opening more Malasakit Centers across the country is providing more accessible and convenient means for Filipinos to seek financial and medical assistance, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Tuesday.
Two
more Malasakit Centers were officially inaugurated in CARAGA in the past week,
which was attended by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. The 131st and 132nd
Malasakit Centers at the Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital and Adela Serra
Ty Memorial Medical Center.
“With
the successful launching of the 131st and 132nd Malasakit Centers at the
Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital and Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical
Center, the people of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur respectively, now have
efficient and convenient access to different medical assistance programs
provided by government agencies that were once elusive, especially to our
indigent patients.”
The
Malasakit Center Act of 2019 mandates the establishment of a one-stop-shop
where indigent patients and their families can access financial and medical
assistance from government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth),
and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
The
first Malasakit Center opened at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in
Cebu City on Feb. 12, 2018. And as to writing, there are now 133 Malasakit
Centers, with the latest at the Eastern Bicol Medical Center, Virac,
Catanduanes inaugurated on Monday, August 2, 2021.
“The
establishment and the rise in the number of Malasakit Centers nationwide
reflect the Tapang at Malasakit campaign and the people-centered service and
commitment of Senator Bong Go and the whole Duterte administration to the Filipinos,”
Secretary Andanar said.
“In
our last year in office, we in the Duterte administration will continue to open
more Malasakit Centers that will cater to everyone's medical needs and ensure
everyone’s right to healthcare with dignity, respect, and compassion,” he
added.