SAN JOSE, Antique – The Universal Health Care (UHC) Law provides for the strengthening of preventive health care and referral systems, Chief Social Insurance Officer Junie Sabusap said.
During a radio program, he emphasized that the implementation of the UHC will bolster the preventive health care and referral systems at the local level.
The Primary Benefit Care Package will be enhanced with services purposed towards the prevention of illnesses such as out-patient services, diagnostic laboratories, healthy lifestyle programs promotion and strengthening of referral systems.
When implemented, the services will be available not only to indigents and senior citizens, but also to everyone, including the employed sector.
In a separate interview, meanwhile, Dr. Ric Noel Naciongayo of the Antique Provincial Health Office (APHO) announced that this province is one out of the other 33 provinces considered as integration sites of the UHC Law. It will be implemented in the next six years.
The Provincial Health Office is already in the process of forming the Provincial Health Board composed of stakeholders of the health sector, municipal officials and representatives from the indigenous groups.
Naciongayo is also optimistic that the functional health referral system and preventive health care could improve the health seeking behaviors of the Antiqueños, as well as ease their burden of shouldering hospital expenses when admitted.
Going back, Sabusap urged everyone to register with PhilHealth regardless of social status and employment, as long as they are 21 years old and above for them to avail the benefits and privileges covered by the law.
However, those who can afford to pay will be categorized as contributing members and will pay the premium contribution.
For those who have less can also avail the benefits, as long as they are registered and have complied with the requirements and their proof of being indigent were properly assessed by the local government social welfare and development office, or the hospital social welfare service unit if hospitalized.
As to maternity health package, majority of the Rural Health Units in this province are accredited by PhilHealth.(With a report from PIA/PN)
