BONG GO HIGHLIGHTS HEALTHCARE REFORMS AT ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF THORACIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGEONS

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the importance of prioritizing healthcare initiatives as he attended the 30th Annual Convention of the Philippine Association of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons, Incorporated (PATACSI) on its 65th foundation day on Saturday, November 30, at Marco Polo Hotel in Pasig City.

The event, which was held after he visited Rizal province earlier that day, gathered approximately 200 thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons along with other healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing the highest standards of surgical practice in the country.

In his address as keynote speaker, Senator Go emphasized that “health is wealth,” underscoring the need for continuous investments in the healthcare sector. “Ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Kaya naman patuloy nating pinalalakas ang mga serbisyong pangkalusugan para mas maraming buhay ang maisalba,” he said.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and a health reforms crusader, Senator Go reiterated his commitment to the full implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, particularly focusing on reforms within PhilHealth.

“Dapat siguraduhin natin na ang serbisyo ng PhilHealth ay abot-kamay at abot-kaya ng lahat ng Pilipino. Dagdagan natin ang benepisyo habang binababa ang gastos para sa ating mga kababayan,” he explained.

As the leading proponent of health reforms in the Senate, Go continues to advocate for accessible healthcare across all sectors reminding PhilHealth to fulfill its commitments to the Filipino people.

After numerous appeals from Go, PhilHealth has also officially committed to ensuring the implementation of their other promises such as increasing case rates; expanding benefits packages, especially for the top 10 mortality diseases; providing free medicines and assistive devices, such as eyeglasses and wheelchairs; inclusion of dental, visual, emergency and preventive care; as well as updating policies to meet the needs of Filipinos.

Go shared that he has pressed PhilHealth to accelerate its other reforms following the long-overdue scrapping of the Single Period of Confinement (SPC) policy last month. While its removal was a significant step triggered by Go’s consistent appeals for reform, he has also brought to light the 24-hour confinement rule, which required patients to be hospitalized for at least a day to qualify for insurance coverage. PhilHealth officials have also committed to revisiting and remove this rule.

“Pera po ito ng taumbayan, bawat piso ay pinagpaguran. Dapat po itong gamitin sa paraan na talagang makikinabang ang mga mamamayan,” Go said, reaffirming his commitment to policies that lessen the financial burden on ordinary citizens.

“Ang pondo ng PhilHealth ay para sa Health!” Go reiterated, emphasizing that these funds are essential for meeting the medical needs of Filipinos, particularly the underprivileged.

Senator Go also highlighted his other initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery. He mentioned his continued monitoring of Malasakit Centers, which provide convenient medical assistance to Filipinos, and the ongoing construction of Super Health Centers across the country to provide basic health services, diagnostics, and preventive care closer to communities.

“Layunin nating maglagay ng higit pang Regional Specialty Centers upang matugunan ang mga kritikal na pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan lalo na sa mga lugar na mahirap marating,” he added, stressing the importance of specialized healthcare for all Filipinos, being the principal sponsor and author of both the Regional Specialty Centers Act and the Malasakit Centers Law.

Moreover, Senator Go continues to advocate for medical professionals’ welfare, particularly in the release of Health Emergency Allowances due to them for services rendered during the pandemic.

Senator Go also administered the oath of office to the newly elected officers of PATACSI, led by Dr. Racel Ireneo Luis Querol as President and Dr. Robin Augustine Flores as Vice President, acknowledging their pivotal role in advancing thoracic and cardiovascular surgery in the country. He lauded PATACSI for its six-and-a-half decades of unwavering service and dedication to improving the healthcare landscape.

“Tonight, as you celebrate your achievements and welcome new leaders, I encourage you to reflect on the impact of your work—not just on individual patients but on the broader healthcare landscape of our country,” he said.

“Together, we can build a future where no Filipino is left behind, where everyone has access to the care they need, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location,” continued Go.

Senator Go concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the government and medical professionals in addressing pressing health issues.

“Ang inyong dedikasyon ay inspirasyon para sa aming mga lingkod bayan na ipagpatuloy ang laban para sa mas maayos, mas mabilis, at mas abot-kayang serbisyong medikal,” he said.

As the PATACSI Annual Convention drew to a close, attendees expressed their gratitude for Senator Go’s unwavering support for the medical community and his proactive approach to addressing the healthcare needs of Filipinos.