SENATOR BONG GO REMINDS PUBLIC: “DO NOT PANIC, STAY UPDATED ON DOH ADVISORIES, KEEP HEALTHY AND FIT” AMID UNVERIFIED HEALTH CONCERNS

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a well-known advocate for public health and Chairperson of the Senate Health Committee, has urged Filipinos to remain calm but vigilant in light of recent social media posts alleging an unconfirmed international health threat.

The reports, which claim hospitals and crematories in China are overwhelmed due to an outbreak involving multiple respiratory diseases, have been dismissed by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines as baseless.

“Mga kababayan, siguraduhin nating mula sa maaasahang sources ang mga impormasyon natin, tulad ng DOH at WHO,” Senator Go said. “Mahalaga ang tamang impormasyon para hindi mag-panic at magkaroon ng tamang pag-iingat ang lahat.”

The DOH has reassured the public that no confirmation has been issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) or any credible authority regarding these claims. It also emphasized the importance of the International Health Regulations (IHR), a global network where member states, including the Philippines, share updates on health concerns.

In light of these developments, Senator Go reminded citizens to prioritize health and well-being while staying informed through legitimate channels. “Unahin natin ang kalusugan dahil katumbas ito ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Panatilihing malusog ang katawan, kumain ng tama, mag-ehersisyo, at sundin ang mga payo ng mga doctor at eksperto,” he added.

The DOH issued a strong statement advising the public against sharing unverified information. “Mangyaring huwag magbahagi ng mga kadudadudang website o online sources. Huwag tayong magpakalat ng maling impormasyon at kalituhan,” it stated.

The department also highlighted that the country’s disease surveillance systems are operational and continuously verifying all health-related information. “Ang mga disease surveillance systems ng Pilipinas ay nasa lugar at gumagana. Aktibong bineberipika ng DOH ang lahat ng impormasyon, at pananatilihing naming updated ang publikong Pilipino,” the statement read.

Senator Go underscored the importance of collective responsibility in combating misinformation. “Kung may nakikita tayong mga hindi sigurado, tanungin natin ang tamang ahensya. Ang maling impormasyon ay hindi nakakatulong—bagkus, lalo lang itong nagdudulot ng takot,” he stated.

“Maging mapanuri tayo, lalo na kung kalusugan ng pamilya natin ang nakasalalay,” he added.

To further address public health concerns, Senator Go reaffirmed his ongoing efforts in advocating for improved healthcare systems and accessibility, particularly through the continuing operations of Malasakit Centers, establishment of more Super Health Centers and the creation of Regional Specialty Centers.

Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops aiming to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. 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.

“Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” said Go.

Meanwhile, Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection, further strengthening the healthcare sector in the country, especially in grassroots communities. Super Health Centers provide primary healthcare services at the community level with more than 700 of these funded so far through his collaboration of Go with DOH, LGUs and fellow lawmakers.

Meanwhile, the Regional Specialty Centers Act, or RA 11959, which he is the principal sponsor and one of its authors, aims to bring specialized medical services to every region providing better access to every Filipino.