The Department of Health, together with the Philippine Children’s Medical Center and The Medical City, signed the Memorandum of Agreement creating a consortium to support pediatric patients with medical conditions requiring liver transplantation.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III reiterated DOH’s commitment to uphold the right of all Filipinos to healthy lives free from debilitating illnesses such as liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, and biliary atresia.
“This landmark undertaking will have a great impact on children who are commonly affected by debilitating liver diseases.”
“This will also contribute to the overall goal of Universal Health Care to provide better quality of life through access to affordable and quality medical services,” Duque added.
Under the agreement, patients and their families can approach Malasakit Centers acting as Pediatric Access to Liver Transplantation Hubs to facilitate referrals for appropriate laboratory tests and other diagnostic procedures required for liver transplantation.
The PAsLiT Hub is part of the nationwide expansion of services to be provided by the Malasakit Center in accordance with the recent passage of Republic Act No. 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Center Act of 2019.
Before transplantation, patients will be thoroughly evaluated and TMC will be in-charge of performing the procedure.
Aligned patient groups, philanthropic non-governmental organizations and institutions, and other relevant stakeholders are enjoined to provide various forms of assistance to include organizing capacity-building and empowerment initiatives for patient families, among others.
“DOH extends its profound gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte, the proponents, and stakeholders who worked tirelessly towards the smooth operationalization of the consortium and the efficient implementation of the processes, from the point of patient referral to the eventual transplantation and overall management of patients,” Duque said.
The signing ceremony was held at the Malacañang Premier Guest House. It was witnessed by Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Michael P. Ong and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.