BONG GO URGES PUBLIC TO ACCESS MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES FROM MALASAKIT CENTERS AND SUPER HEALTH CENTERS AS DOH WARNS OF LEPTOSPIROSIS RISK

As the Department of Health (DOH) anticipates an increase in leptospirosis cases amid recent typhoon-induced floods, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the critical role of accessible health services and urged the public to utilize government health programs like Malasakit Centers and PhilHealth medical benefits.

He echoed the DOH’s recent warning that leptospirosis is not only acquired from floodwaters but can also be contracted through contact with mud contaminated by rat urine.

“Hindi po biro ang leptospirosis. Nakukuha ito hindi lamang sa baha kundi pati sa putik. Importante po na maging maingat tayo at gamitin natin ang mga benepisyo sa Malasakit Centers at PhilHealth para masiguro ang agarang lunas kung kinakailangan,” said Go.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa explained that leptospirosis can enter the human body through open wounds or mucous membranes, such as the eyes, mouth, or nose. This bacterial infection, typically spread by mammals like rats, has an incubation period of 5 to 14 days, during which the bacteria can attack vital organs, such as the liver and kidneys.

“Ang mikrobyo na dala ng leptospirosis ay napakabilis umatake sa atay at kidney. Kahit hindi baha, pwedeng makuha ito kung maputik o basta may duming kontaminado ng ihi ng daga,” Herbosa explained.

According to DOH, the recent typhoons have created ideal conditions for the bacteria to spread, especially in areas with poor sanitation.

Go highlighted the role of Malasakit Centers, one-stop shops that consolidate government medical assistance programs, in providing essential healthcare support to those at risk.

“Kung mayroon kayong nararamdamang sintomas, huwag nang magdalawang-isip pumunta sa Malasakit Centers o mag-avail ng PhilHealth benefits. Libre ang pa-konsulta at may mga pondo at programa ang gobyerno para sa agarang tulong-medikal,” Go emphasized.

Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. As of now, 166 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than 15 million Filipinos.

Meanwhile, Go reiterated his commitment to support the establishment of more Super Health Centers across the country, considering how they can significantly help reduce hospital occupancy rates while bringing primary medical services closer to the grassroots.

Through the concerted efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the Department of Health, led by Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and local government units, adequate funding was allocated for establishing more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide.

Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, reiterated his commitment to ensuring that Filipinos in affected areas receive timely support. He called for heightened awareness on the symptoms and urged those exposed to immediately seek medical assistance if any symptoms arise.

“Kung tayo’y magiging maingat, at gagamitin ang mga serbisyong handog ng pamahalaan, malalampasan natin ang panganib ng leptospirosis,” he stated.

In response to the forecasted increase in cases, Herbosa urged everyone to wear protective clothing and boots if they must walk through mud or floodwater, as well as to prioritize sanitation measures.

Go, for his part, also advocated for preventive measures at the community level, saying, “Makipagtulungan po tayo sa barangay, sa LGU, para mas maging malinis ang ating paligid. Simpleng bagay pero malaki ang maitutulong sa pag-iwas sa leptospirosis at iba pang sakit.”

Typhoon Kristine has caused major disruption across the country, displacing nearly one million people and affecting over 6.7 million individuals, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The storm has led to significant casualties, with 116 dead, 109 injured, and 39 missing.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Leon is strengthening rapidly as it crosses the Philippine Sea, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration forecasting its potential development into a typhoon within the next 24 hours.