SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go vowed to continue supporting the establishment of super health centers (SHC) saying that they help reduce hospital occupancy rates.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography attended the groundbreaking for two SHCs in Maasin, Iloilo and in Numancia, Aklan on January 21.

“I will help, to the best of my ability, to build more super health centers in the country,” Go said in a speech in Filipino.

He said that SHCs are very helpful, “especially to our fellowmen in the rural areas who have difficulties in accessing basic health services.”

The services offered in SHCs include database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic laboratory (X-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit.

They also offer eye, ear, nose, and throat service; oncology; physical therapy and rehabilitation; and telemedicine where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done.

Apart from Numancia and Kalibo, seven more SHCs are expected to be established in Aklan, particularly in Ibajay, Balete, Batan, Malay, Nabas, New Washington and Tangalan. Go was able to secure funding for 307 SHCs in 2022.

Go later led a relief operation where he handed out grocery packs, vitamins, meals, masks, shirts and umbrellas to 500 typhoon victims in Numancia.

The senator also provided bicycles, cellular phones, shoes, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select individuals.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial support to typhoonaffected households to help with their daily needs.

Go also encouraged those with health concerns to apply for medical assistance from the Malasakit Center at the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital in Kalibo.

The senator was the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act 11463 or the “Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.” There are currently 154 Malasakit Centers nationwide.