- CHERYL G. CRUZ
Less fortunate Filipinos, who are undergoing dialysis, will no longer have to worry about the fees for the medical procedure as it is now for free, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said July 24.
“Upang mas lalo pang makatulong sa mga pasyente, ang dating 90 libreng dialysis sessions ay inakyat na natin sa 156. Mga kababayan, libre na po ngayon ang dialysis para sa karamihan ng Pilipino,” Marcos said in his 2nd State of the Nation Address.
He said that under the upgraded konsulta package ng PhilHealth, 21 essential drugs and medicines and 13 laboratory services will be given for free.
PhilHealth said it continuously intensifies its campaign to heighten the awareness of Filipinos on its primary benefits under the Konsulta Package. “This package includes targeted health risk screening and assessment, initial and follow-up consultations, standard laboratory tests, and 21 essential drugs and medicines as prescribed by primary care physicians.”
Meanwhile, Marcos said over 3.4 million Filipinos have also received health assistance under the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAP) program of the Department of Health.
“We are now refocusing our health priorities, applying the lessons learnt from the pandemic and addressing the weaknesses that it has exposed. Healthier communities and lifestyles are our advocacy,” he added in his speech that lasted for more than one hour at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.
He urged the whole of society to exert efforts to suppress the alarming rise of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. “To stem the tide, the strategic plan is to ensure early diagnosis and treatment, and ample testing sites and medications.”
Marcos said the country’s healthcare system is undergoing structural changes. Public health facilities are being increased, both in number and in capability, he added, noting that more than 3,400 projects were completed last year.
“To improve capacity for specialized medical treatment, specialty centers in various fields are being established and integrated into our government hospitals. An additional 60 specialty centers have been opened to the public in the last year,” he said.
“We are working for a more direct, efficient delivery of services, through integrated primary care providers and networks, in partnership with the LGUs and our partners in the private sector. These shall be supported by what is now a better and more efficient PhilHealth,” the President said./CGC
