Bringing specialized care closer to Filipinos: Go advocates for increased funding for specialty hospitals

DAVAO CITY — Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed serious concerns regarding the proposed budget for national specialty hospitals during a public hearing on the Department of Health’s (DOH) 2025 budget, held on October 8. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee,

Go underscored the critical need for adequate funding for specialized medical facilities, including the Lung Center of the Philippines, the Philippine Heart Center (PHC), the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC).

Go reiterated the importance of effectively implementing Republic Act No. 11959, the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which he primarily sponsored and co-authored. This legislation aims to decentralize specialized medical services, making them accessible across all regions of the country. “Patients should no longer have to travel to Manila for treatment at the Heart Center, NKTI, or Lung Center, as these services will soon be available in DOH hospitals throughout various regions,” he stated.

He called on the DOH for updates on the law’s implementation, emphasizing the need for clear explanations regarding the proposed budget allocations for these specialty centers. “We want to know the status of this law—it’s already in effect—and how the budget for our specialty centers like the Lung Center, Heart Center, NKTI, and Philippine Children’s Medical Center is being addressed,” Go urged.

One of Go’s key concerns was the inconsistency between the budget increases for these hospitals this year, driven by congressional initiatives, and the proposed cuts for the next year. “This year’s budget increased due to congressional initiatives, but it will decrease next year,” he noted.

He emphasized the necessity of providing additional funding for these hospitals, pointing out the long waiting lines for services. “It’s crucial that we address this issue; the demand for services at these institutions is high,” Go stressed.

Continuing his advocacy for accessible healthcare, Go highlighted the significance of Super Health Centers, which offer primary healthcare services, including consultations, early disease detection, and minor treatments. He explained that these centers play a vital role in expanding healthcare access at the community level.

“I am advocating for ongoing funding for the Super Health Centers, which I have championed since 2022. These facilities will provide essential primary care and minor treatment services,” he said.

Go also encouraged the integration of PhilHealth’s Konsulta Program with the Super Health Centers, urging the agency to accredit these centers for the program. “These centers can serve as venues for consultations. Mr. Ledesma, you can implement your Konsulta Program here,” he suggested.

He pointed out that early disease detection and prevention through Super Health Centers could save the government money and improve health outcomes for patients. “Investing in early detection and prevention will lead to cost savings and better health results,” he stated.

Go called for continued support for these centers in the 2025 budget. “I hope we can maintain our support for the establishment of Super Health Centers in the upcoming budget,” he added.

Additionally, Go commended the DOH, particularly Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, for the opening of a new Cancer Center at East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City on October 8. “Congratulations to the DOH and Secretary Ted on the new cancer center at East Avenue Medical Center. This will greatly benefit our citizens,” Go remarked.

He noted that the new facility would significantly enhance access to cancer treatment and help alleviate the burden on other medical institutions, which are already facing long patient queues.