Duterte signs Malasakit Center Act

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) lauded yesterday the signing of the Malasakit Center Act, saying the new law “truly reflects the Duterte administration’s brand of people-centered service delivery.”

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the measure “complements” the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) law. President Duterte signed the law last night. Also signed was the law moving the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to 2022.

“We guarantee our patients needing medical assistance that they will be treated with compassion, dignity, respect and malasakit,” he said.

The law establishes the Malasakit Program and institutionalizes Malasakit Centers in DOH and other government hospitals in the country.

Through the center, patients can seek assistance from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

There are currently 74 Malasakit Centers nationwide, 45 of which are in DOH hospitals, 28 in local government unit-operated hospitals, and one in the Philippine General Hospital.

“The long lines and tedious processes for availment of financial medical assistance will be things of the past,” Duque said on the prospect of an institutionalized Malasakit Center.

“Ultimately, our goal under UHC is to ensure that every Filipino is protected from financial risks of healthcare. The establishment of the Malasakit Program and Centers in our government hospitals takes us closer to this goal,” he maintained.

Barangay and SK officials elected in the 2022 polls, meanwhile, will assume office on Jan. 1, 2023. Elections will be held every three years thereafter.