With the passage of the Universal Health Care law, a solon representing indigenous peoples (IPs) has called for “doubled efforts” to ensure the inclusion of IPs in the landmark measure.
“I hope we double our efforts to make sure IPs benefit from this law,” said ANAC-IP Rep. Jose Panganiban, Jr., one of the principal authors Universal Health Care law.
Panganiban said the law’s passage is a “massive win for the Filipino people.”
“Our country’s 17 million IPs, who have limited to zero access to affordable health care.”
He nevertheless urged government to exert all means not only to inform the public about the good news, but also in ensuring that marginalized Filipinos are enrolled in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP).
“Our country’s 17 million IPs, who have limited to zero access to affordable health care, have as much right as anyone to benefit from the UHC,” he added.
“Kailangan gobyerno ang lumapit sa tao, lalo na sa mga IPs natin na madalas walang access sa balita,” urged the lawmaker.
“The Department of Health and local government units should also employ creative means to deliver basic health services to IPs.”
He added that the Department of Health (DOH) and local government units should also employ creative means to deliver basic health services to IPs.
Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte signed the Universal Health Care Act on Wednesday. The law automatically enrolls all Filipinos in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP).
The law seeks to expand PhilHealth coverage, which would include free medical checkups, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic services.
Besides annual appropriations of the DOH and the government subsidy to PhilHealth, funds for the law’s implementation will be pooled from sin tax collections, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s charity fund, income from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, and premium contribution of members.
Besides annual appropriations of the DOH and the government subsidy to PhilHealth, funds for the law’s implementation will be pooled from sin tax collections, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s charity fund, income from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, and premium contribution of members.
