By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY – The 167th Malasakit Center opened at the Lanao del Sur Provincial Hospital (formerly Tamparan District Hospital), providing aid to patients facing challenges in seeking government health assistance across multiple offices.

Senator Bong Go, Bangsamoro Health Minister and Member of Parliament Dr. Kadil “Jojo” M. Sinolinding Jr., who also serves as the hospital chief, the Ministry of Health Malasakit Program Office team, hospital chiefs from Lanao del Sur, and local officials attended the ceremony.

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Sinolinding emphasized that the opening of Malasakit Center represents the government’s ongoing effort to improve healthcare accessibility.

“This initiative embodies the true essence of “malasakit” - genuine care and concern for others,” he said.

Sinolinding also stressed that the Malasakit Center aims to provide medical services without causing financial hardship for patients.

“Ang layunin nito ay makapagbigay ng ayuda sa lahat ng may sakit dito sa ating ospital kung saan guaranteed na mabibigyan ka ng de-kalidad na serbisyo na walang sakit sa ating bulsa,” he emphasized.

(The goal of this is to provide aid to all those who are sick here in our hospital, where you are guaranteed to receive quality service without any burden on your pocket.)

The Malasakit Center acts as a one-stop shop for medical aid from government agencies, including the Department of Health, PhilHealth, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

In addition to these four agencies, Sinolinding highlighted that Malasakit Centers in the Bangsamoro Region also benefit from assistance through Ayudang Medikal mula sa Bangsamoro Government (AMBAG) and health support from Members of Parliament, improving access to healthcare for marginalized communities.

Abdulhakim Abdulrahman, a 75-year-old diabetic patient from Maguing, expressed his gratitude at the event

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Malasakit Program ni Senator Go dito sa Tamparan Hospital. Sana tuloy-tuloy ang tulong nya sa mga mahihirap,” he said. (I am thankful for Senator Go’s Malasakit Program here at Tamparan Hospital. I hope his help for the poor continues.)

The Malasakit Center at Lanao del Sur Provincial Hospital is the second in the province, following the center at Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur with reports from MOH-BARMM Malasakit Program Unit)