MANILA – After President Rodrigo Duterte certified it as urgent, the Senate approved on third and final reading its version of the Universal Health Care Bill.
In a 14-0 vote on late Wednesday, the Senate passed the bill which seeks to guarantee all Filipinos equal access to quality and affordable health goods and services.
Under the approved bill, all Filipinos will automatically be enrolled into the National Health Insurance Program either as direct contributor (those who have the capacity to pay premiums) or indirect contributor (those sponsored by the government such as indigents and senior citizens).
Filipinos can also avail themselves of primary healthcare services even without the PhilHealth Identification Cards.
The approved bill will also address the improvement of doctor-to-patient ratio, the upgrading of hospital bed capacities and equipment, and the establishment of hospitals in remote areas.
“Sa ilalim ng Universal Health Care, ang bawat Pilipino ay hindi na kailangang mangamba sa tuwing sila o ang miyembro ng pamilya ay magkakasakit dahil aayusin at palalakasin natin ang pagbibigay ng serbisyo lalo na sa mga geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas,” said bill proponent Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito.
The Palace welcomed the passage of the bill.
Duterte certified it urgent “to address the need for an affordable, comprehensive, and quality health care program that is accessible to all Filipinos.”
“The prioritization of the bill bespeaks of the Duterte administration’s unrelenting commitment to provide the marginalized and disadvantaged with sufficient and better health care services,” said Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque./PN
