As the country continues to experience a significant number of flu-like cases, Senator Christopher Go stressed the importance of vigilance and compliance with health protocols, including the voluntary use of face masks whenever possible.
The Department of Health (DOH) announced earlier its heightened vigilance against new pathogens amid a rise in influenza-like illnesses across the Philippines.
Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag revealed that the country has recorded approximately 190,000 cases of such illnesses this year, almost double compared to last year’s figure.
In a statement released last Wednesday, the DOH noted that these cases have begun to stabilize, as indicated by the latest data from on-going surveillance efforts.
Meanwhile, Go reiterated his appeal to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the DOH to fast-track the release of the Health Emergency Allowances (HEA) still due to healthcare workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As one of the authors of Republic Act 11712, Go stated that the law provided for continuing benefits and allowances to healthcare workers during public health emergencies. Despite the lifting of the state of public health emergency in July, many healthcare workers have yet to receive their HEA.
In an interview, Go addressed the public’s concern about the rising cases in China and its implications for the country.
He encouraged the voluntary use of face masks “since we had already used it for two years.”
The DOH is currently not advising the implementation of border controls in response to the recent surge in respiratory illnesses reported in China. The rise in respiratory cases in Beijing, predominantly among children, has been noticeable since mid-October. Additionally, in November, there have been reports of clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in several children’s hospitals in China.
Meanwhile, Go also highlighted the government’s efforts to provide accessible healthcare, particularly for early disease detection.
“We have the Malasakit Centers, mga DOH hospitals, mga government hospitals, even private health facilities,” Go noted.
Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim 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.
Currently, 159 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses.
DOH reported that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to around ten million needy patients.