Philippines Senator Highlights Importance of Super Health Centers for Accessible Dental Care

THE PHILIPPINES: Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, recently attended the inauguration of a new Super Health Center in Barangay Poblacion, Anilao, Iloilo. During the event, he emphasized the crucial role these centers play in bringing essential government services, including dental care, closer to local communities.

“Pwede na po rito ang check-up, Konsulta package ng PhilHealth kasi lahat naman ng Pilipino ay miyembro ng PhilHealth. Dito na ang primary care mula sa Universal Health Care, dito na ang early disease detection para hindi lumala yung sakit,” said Go.

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Comprehensive Dental Services

One of the key advantages of Super Health Centers is the provision of comprehensive dental services, including check-ups, consultations, and early disease detection. Go highlighted that these centers are designed to alleviate the burden on hospitals by offering primary care and essential medical services within the communities themselves.

“Madi-decongest ang hospital dahil dito na kayo pwede magpagamot at pati rin manganak. Dental, laboratory, x-ray, ultrasound dito na po,” he added.

Through collaborative efforts between Go, fellow lawmakers, the Department of Health, and local government units, funding has been allocated for establishing more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide, including 27 in Iloilo province. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between the government and underserved areas, ensuring that healthcare, including dental services, is readily available to those in need.

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Support from Local Officials

Local officials, including representatives, governors, and mayors, expressed their gratitude to Go for his significant contributions to healthcare in their districts and communities. Congressman Ferj Biron praised Go’s support in upgrading the Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center Extension Hospital, while Mayor Lee Ann Debuque of Anilao commended his swift actions following his visit two years ago, which led to the rapid funding of the town’s Super Health Center.

Go, known as “Mr. Malasakit” for his compassionate service to the poor, reiterated his commitment to public service, stating, “Tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tato babalik sa mundong ito.”

With the establishment of Super Health Centers and the provision of comprehensive dental services, the Philippine government aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and ensure early disease detection for its citizens, particularly in remote and underserved areas.