Ni NOEL ABUEL
Isinusulong ng ilang kongresista na magbigay ang Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) ng libreng taunang medical checkup para sa lahat ng miyembro nito upang matiyak na ang bawat Pilipino ay makakakuha ng access sa preventive care at kayang tugunan ang mga potensyal na malubhang kondisyon sa kalusugan.
“With all Filipinos automatically becoming Philhealth members under the Universal Health Care Act, free medical checkups should form part of their benefits,” Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte.
Maliban kay Duterte, kasama rin na nagsusulong ng House Bill (HB) no. 5074 sina Benguet Rep. Eric Yap at ACT-CIS Party list Rep. Edvic Yap, na nais na maging awtomatiko na mabigyan ng libreng blood sugar at cholesterol tests kada taon.
“To promote health, identify risks, and ensure early diagnosis, PhilHealth shall establish a system that allows access to a free annual medical check-up and ensure that Filipinos shall be accorded the quality health care services that they deserve,” nakapaloob sa nasabing panukala.
“Investing in free medical checkups for every Filipino will help save lives and ensure that no one gets left behind when it comes to health care,” dagdag pa ni Duterte.
“Detecting potentially serious medical conditions in its early stages will not only benefit every Filipino but also Philhealth, as this would bring down the costs of providing coverage for expensive medical procedures that usually come with treating life-threatening diseases,” paliwanag pa nito.
Sa ilalim ng panukalang batas, maaaring mag-avail ng libreng medical checkup ang mga Pilipino sa anumang ospital o institusyong medikal na pinamamahalaan ng gobyerno.
Maliban sa libreng cholesterol at blood sugar tests, isinusulong din ng tatlong mambabatas na isama ang expanded laboratory and diagnostic tests sa free annual medical checkup benefit na naayon sa pondo ng Philhealth.
“The State is tasked to institutionalize regular checkups for its citizens in order to determine their potential health concerns and avoid further complications. Every citizen must be able to exercise his or her right to health without incurring any financial burden,” anila.
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