Go stressed that swift and coordinated action is essential to prevent further loss of life, pointing out that the surge in cases is tied to recent heavy rains and widespread flooding. “Dapat alerto tayo sa ganitong sitwasyon. Huwag nating hayaang dumami pa ang kaso at may mamatay dahil lang sa kakulangan sa mabilis na aksyon,” he said.
He also urged the public not to hesitate in seeking hospital treatment at the first sign of symptoms, emphasizing that early medical intervention can save lives. “Magpatingin agad sa doktor kung may sintomas. ‘Wag matakot magpaospital dahil nandiyan ang PhilHealth para tulungan kayo,” the senator added.
The DOH reports that leptospirosis has become a growing concern nationwide. From January 1 to July 19, the DOH recorded 3,037 confirmed cases, with 1,114 of those occurring since June 8, just after the rainy season began. Between July 13 and 31, DOH‑run hospitals treated 569 new cases, with the highest numbers logged at East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City (32 cases), Sta. Ana Hospital in Manila (26), and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (19).
Meanwhile, San Lazaro Hospital in Manila reported seven deaths due to leptospirosis in just the first five days of August. Patients who reportedly waded through floodwaters and quickly developed aggressive organ complications.
In the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), 22 cases were recorded between January 1 and February 1, up from 16 during the same period last year, reflecting a 38% increase.
Meanwhile, in the Caraga Administrative Region, the DOH‑Center for Health Development (DOH‑CHD) reported 223 cases from January 1 to May 31. Of these, Surigao del Sur registered the highest count at 76 cases—34% of the regional total—with dramatic year‑on‑year increases: 407% in Surigao del Sur, 125% in Agusan del Sur, and 680% in Surigao del Norte. Roughly 43% of infections were directly tied to floodwater exposure.
Also, Go urged the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to ensure that benefit packages are readily accessible to leptospirosis patients, including coverage for hospital confinement, laboratory tests, and medicines that may be required during treatment.
“Siguraduhin ng PhilHealth na malinaw at handa ang mga benepisyong para sa mga pasyenteng tinatamaan ng ganitong sakit, lalo na sa mga mahihirap,” he emphasized.
Over the past months, PhilHealth has implemented sweeping reforms that Go has long been advocating to make healthcare more accessible and affordable, especially for the poor and marginalized. These include the removal of the 45-day annual hospitalization limit for members and dependents, the repeal of the anti-poor 24-hour confinement rule, and the expansion of coverage to include emergency outpatient services.
Under Go’s prodding, PhilHealth has also committed to expanding its benefit offerings to cover dental services, mental health care, outpatient drug coverage, diagnostic tests such as MRIs and CT scans, chemotherapy, treatment for severe cardiac conditions, and a wide range of rehabilitation services. Major enhancements have been introduced to Z Packages for kidney-related illnesses, including greater support for peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplantation, and pediatric dialysis coverage.
The senator also urged PhilHealth to expand its network of accredited providers and ensure the presence of PhilHealth representatives in Malasakit Centers nationwide. These one-stop shops, institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11463—of which Go is the principal author and sponsor—help patients reduce their medical expenses to the least possible amount.
As of now, 167 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients' medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than 17 million Filipinos.
Meanwhile, Go continues to champion the establishment of more Super Health Centers that are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early disease detection, further strengthening the healthcare sector in the country, especially in grassroots communities.
Free consultations would be handled by municipal health offices, local government units, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation through its Konsulta program.
Through the concerted efforts of Go, fellow lawmakers, the DOH, led by Secretary Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa, and local government units, adequate funding was allocated for establishing more than 700 Super Health Centers nationwide.
Senator Bong Go