Opening more Malasakit Centers across the country is providing more accessible and convenient means for Filipinos to seek financial and medical assistance, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Tuesday.

Two more Malasakit Centers were officially inaugurated in Caraga in the past week with Senator Christopher “Bong” Go gracing the events.

“With the successful launching of the 131st and 132nd Malasakit Centers at the Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital and Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center, the people of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur respectively, now have efficient and convenient access to different medical assistance programs provided by government agencies that were once elusive, especially to our indigent patients,” Andanar said.

The Malasakit Center Act of 2019 mandates the establishment of a one-stop-shop where indigent patients and their families can access financial and medical assistance from government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

The first Malasakit Center opened at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City on Feb. 12, 2018.

At present, there are now 133 Malasakit Centers, with the latest at the Eastern Bicol Medical Center, Virac, Catanduanes inaugurated on Monday.

“The establishment and the rise in the number of Malasakit Centers nationwide reflect the Tapang at Malasakit campaign and the people-centered service and commitment of Senator Bong Go and the whole Duterte administration to the Filipinos,” Andanar said.

“In our last year in office, we in the Duterte administration will continue to open more Malasakit Centers that will cater to everyone’s medical needs and ensure everyone’s right to healthcare with dignity, respect, and compassion,” he added. (PNA)