Over 212,000 served at Davao hospital Malasakit Center

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go has cited the successful implementation of the medical assistance program being extended by the Malasakit Center located at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City, where more than 212,000 patients have been served from 2019 to middle of this year.

After aiding fire victims in Davao City on Friday, Go, chair of the Senate committee on health, shared the extent of the impact of the Malasakit Centers nationwide.

“As of now, the Malasakit Center has helped over 500,000 patients in the entire Davao region,” Go said, noting a strong reach beyond the recorded 212,000 patients assisted in the SPMC in Davao City alone.

He said the Malasakit Center at the SPMC serves not only residents of Davao City, but all residents of Mindanao.

“Basta Pilipino ka, qualified ka sa Malasakit Center,” Go said.

His sentiments echoed his vision, being the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

The law provides for the creation of a healthcare support system that caters to every Filipino’s needs, particularly the poor and indigent.

Data from the Department of Health (DOH) shows that the SPMC’s Malasakit Center has consistently increased its reach over the past few years.

In 2021, nearly 75 percent of patients served in the Davao region received assistance from SPMC, which showed a significant increase from 0.8 percent in 2019.

“This is an extraordinary achievement that illustrates the effectiveness of our collaborative efforts,” said Go. “I am particularly impressed by the significant growth in the number of patients served by the SPMC in the past couple of years. This demonstrates our ability to adapt and improve our service delivery in response to the evolving health needs of our citizens.”

The Malasakit Center brings under one roof government agencies such as the DOH, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to assist patients with their medical needs.

To date, there are 158 Malasakit Centers offering Filipinos conenient access to mdical assistance.

“I believe in the potential of our healthcare system and will continue to support initiatives like the Malasakit Program that brings quality healthcare services closer to the people who need them the most. Together, we can make a healthier and stronger Philippines,” Go said.