NAGA CITY: In an effort to improve the health care system in the country, Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said that he will establish over 600 Super Health Centers across the country wherein 18 of these centers will be built in the Bicol Region.

Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, said that 18 out of more than the 600 Super Health Centers that will be built throughout the country in two years will be set up in Camarines Sur.

“A Super Health Center is a medium sized polyclinic. It is smaller than a hospital but bigger than a rural health unit that can be expanded by the local government unit for dialysis, birthing facility, dental, X-ray and other medical services,” Go told members of the press during his visit here at Robredo Coliseum.

Go said that Super Health Centers seek to bring medical services closer to the community and are constructed in strategic places all over the Philippines while the Department of Health will determine if a local government unit can run their operation.

The first Super Health Center in Bicol will be established in Barangay Concepcion Pequeña, Naga City, Camarines Sur.

Go said that at least P10-million budget has been allocated for the construction including the purchase of equipment for each Super Health Center.

“Those who could not go to hospitals can avail of health care services in the Super Health Centers,” he said.

Another priority project of Go is the Malasakit Center.

“The Malasakit Center is a one-stopshop intended for the poor which was enacted into law during the time of President Rodrigo Duterte. I want my countrymen in the poorest sector to avail medical health services for free through the Malasakit Center,” said Go, noting that there are 157 Malasakit Centers in the country today.

“For those with severe cases who need medical help services in Manila, just let me know so I can lend you a hand or assist your medical needs. I will take care of your transportation cost and medical services while in Manila.”

Go also led the dole out of cash aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development held at the Robredo Coliseum on Saturday.

There are three Malasakit Centers in Bicol: Bicol Medical Center in Naga City, Bicol Regional Training and Medical Center formerly the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital in Legazpi City and the Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center in Cabusao, Camarines Sur.