MANILA — House Deputy Majority Leader and former Health Secretary Janette Garin on Wednesday emphasized the impact of the “Bantay Kalusugan” initiative, highlighting how it enables Filipinos—especially those in underserved communities—to receive immediate medical attention.

Through the program, patients are promptly attended to by doctors and are given the necessary medications on the spot.

This setup helps address the recurring issue of patients skipping follow-up consultations at health centers due to financial or logistical constraints.

“Pagdating ng pasyente, maaasikaso kaagad sila. Pagdating sa doktor, medyo makukuha mo na ang health profile, at pag-alis nila, dala na ang gamot—except kapag highly complicated, ayun dala naman nila ang kanilang referral,” Garin explained in an interview.

She stressed the importance of empathy and genuine concern in public service.

“Napakaimportanteng maramdaman mo ang kailangan ng iyong kababayan… Nandito kasi ‘yung mas naiintindihan mo ang pangangailangan nila if you have a listening ear and a listening heart,” she added.

Garin also urged fellow elected officials to ensure that government projects and services reach the most financially challenged sectors of society.

“Napakaimportante sa ating mga elected government officials na malapitan mo ‘yung tao, at dapat ramdam mo ang kanilang pangangailangan—’yung serbisyong may puso,” she said.

A staunch advocate of accessible healthcare, Garin continues to champion initiatives that bring essential health services closer to the people.