SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go welcomed the continued expansion of regional specialty centers and medical scholarship programs highlighted in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying these initiatives would help bring specialized healthcare services closer to Filipinos and strengthen the country’s medical workforce.

Go said patients from the provinces should no longer be compelled to travel to Metro Manila or other urban centers to seek treatment for serious illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, kidney disorders, and neurological conditions. He noted that aside from medical bills, many families also bear additional expenses for transportation, food, and accommodation when they seek treatment far from their hometowns.

The senator stressed that the government’s plan to expand regional specialty centers should go beyond building healthcare facilities.

According to Go, these centers must be supported with trained medical specialists, advanced equipment, adequate medicines, and sufficient funding to ensure the consistent delivery of quality healthcare services.

Apart from improving healthcare infrastructure, Go highlighted the need to expand medical scholarship opportunities to address the shortage and uneven distribution of doctors and other healthcare professionals across the country.

He welcomed the SONA report that the number of medical scholars has more than doubled, with graduates expected to serve in public hospitals after completing their education and training.

Go said scholarship programs would give deserving but financially disadvantaged students the chance to pursue careers in medicine while helping strengthen the country’s public healthcare system.

He urged the government to prioritize students from underserved provinces who are willing to return and serve their communities after graduation.

The senator also called for continued support for medical scholars even after completing their studies, including access to stable employment, competitive salaries, benefits, and safe working conditions during their required public service.

To further boost the healthcare workforce, Go pushed for stronger incentives for doctors and other health professionals assigned to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

These include adequate compensation, housing assistance, hazard pay, opportunities for further training, and clear career advancement opportunities.

Go ended by calling for sustained government funding and stronger oversight to ensure that the expansion of regional specialty centers and medical scholarship programs will lead to tangible improvements in healthcare access and services nationwide.