MEDINA, Misamis Oriental (PIA) – Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go led the opening of a new Malasakit Center to cater to indigent residents of Medina town in Misamis Oriental. 

The senator chairs the Senate Committee on Health.

The Malasakit Center, located at First Misamis Oriental General Hospital in Medina, Misamis Oriental, is the 162nd center nationwide. These centers serve as a one-stop shop for indigent and financially incapacitated patients who need access to medical and financial assistance from various government agencies, including PhilHealth, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

“Ako ning nakat-unan sa una kay kita ko sa kalisod sa atong pasyente nga mga pobre. Wala sila’y madaganan. Diha nako nahuna-hunaan ang Malasakit Center, diin ibutang nato sa sulod sa hospital ang upat ka ahensiya sa gobyerno [nga ga-offer ug financial ug medical assistance], ang PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH ug DSWD. Unsa ang kwalipikasyon sa Malasakit Center? Basta Pilipino ka, qualified ka sa Malasakit Center. Para gyud na sa Pilipino,"  the senator said.

(I recognized the plight of our countrymen, who often lack easy access to assistance. I got to study the Malasakit Center and thought that we should house in one place the key government agencies—PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, and DSWD—that Filipinos typically seek help from. This streamlined approach ensures easier access for those in need. What are the qualifications to avail of the Malasakit Center's services? If you are a Filipino, then you are qualified. Malasakit Center is for Filipinos.)

He said there are already 90 Malasakit Centers in Luzon, 30 in Visayas, and 41 in Mindanao, with the 41st being newly opened in Medina.

“One hundred sixty-two na tanan ka Malasakit Center sa nasud ug dinhi mismo sa inyong lugar sa Misamis Oriental ang ika-162nd. Naa mo’y Malasakit Center dinhi sa Medina. Ug naa pud mo sa Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) ug sa J.R. Borja General Hospital (JRBGH) sa Cagayan de Oro. Pwede gihapon mo muduol sa NMMC ug JRBGH," he added.

(There are 162 Malasakit Centers in the country, and the 162nd is right here in Medina town. In Misamis Oriental, you have Northern Mindanao Medical Center and J.R. Borja General Hospital, where you can also go.)

Mayor Donato N. Chan expressed his gratitude for placing Malasakit Center in the municipality. Through this, there is no need for his constituents as well as residents of neighboring towns to go as far as Cagayan de Oro City to ask for financial and medical assistance.

FMOGH Chief of Hospital Napoleon Ray A. Talines is also grateful for the steadfast support of everyone in establishing the Malasakit Center in FMOGH.

“This event signifies a momentous milestone in our ongoing labor to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of healthcare services within our community. At the heart of this initiative lies a commitment to the principles in Republic Act No. 11463, which advocates for the establishment of Malasakit Centers across all Department of Health hospitals nationwide. Through this legislative mandate, we strive to cultivate and integrate a people-centric health paradigm dedicated to ensuring that every individual receives the care they rightfully deserve with utmost efficiency and compassion,” he said.

Misamis Oriental First District Rep. Christian S. Unabia, Assistant Regional Director Ellenietta HMV N. Gamolo from the Department of Health Center of Health Development - Northern Mindanao, and Northern Mindanao Medical Center Director Jose C. Chan. attended the event. (IJBD/PIA-10 Misamis Oriental)