LA TRINIDAD, Benguet– The Malasakit Center in the province was launched at the Benguet General Hospital on Friday to serve the poor and the needy.
It is the 92nd Malasakit Center established in the country and the third in the Cordillera region, after those at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center and Far North General Hospital and Training Center in Luna, Apayao.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop to assist indigent patients to efficiently access financial and medical assistance from agencies such as the Department of Health, PhilHealth, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
A synchronized effort of the four agencies, it is consistent with the whole of government approach program under the Universal Health Care Act.
Republic Act 114631 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte seeks to establish Malasakit Centers in all DOH hospitals in the country including the Philippine General Hospital.
According to Senator Bong Go, the Malasakit Center will be earmarked with a one-time P10 million funding and P3M replenishable every month
“Isa lang po pakiusap ko sa inyo hospital officials, unahin ang mahihirap. ‘Yung walang matakbuhan na poor and indigent patients,” the Senator said in his message delivered virtually during the launching program.
Governor Melchor Diclas expressed gratitude to the government for granting their request for the installation of the center.
“Malaking tulong ito. With the officials of the province, pag-iisahan natin ito para maayos to benefit the people of Benguet,” he said.
“Huwag po kayong magpasalamat sa amin Gob dahil trabaho namin ‘yan ni President Duterte. Kami po dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan nyo po kami ng pagkakataon na magserbisyo po sa kapwa Pilipino,” Go said.
BeGH Acting Chief of Hospital Dr. Meliarazon Dulay assured that the funds for the center will be used wisely, judiciously and equitably and to serve validated patients who need most the assistance. **JDP/SCA-PIA CAR, Benguet
