President Duterte Signs Universal Health Care to Benefit All Filipinos Including OFWs

President Duterte recently signs Universal Health Care Act grating automatic Philhealth(Philippine Health Insurance Corporation)membership to all Filipinos.

In a news reported by 24 Oras, all Filipinos will be benefitted by becoming a Philhealth member, including the OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers). Under the said law, Filipinos are given access to medical services from the time of diagnosis to medication.

During the press conference, Secretary of Department of Health (DOH) Francisco Duque III announces:

“UHC (Universal Health Care) is both a vision and a commitment to the health of all Filipinos by providing the full range of high-quality care services from preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative at an affordable cost.”

Dr. Roy Ferrer, Acting President and CEO of Philhealth added that it also includes free consultation, laboratory, diagnostics and medications.

For medical services availed at private hospitals, part of the total bill of the patient will be shouldered by Philhealth.

Every Filipino is required to register in a public or private care provider (doctor or nurse) which will provide out-patient service or recommendation for further medication from a specialist.

With its implementation, the government needs 257 Billion pesos for the first year.  The agency hopes they will have enough funds to sustain UHC.

Meanwhile, PhilHealth and DOH has 180 days to study further the implanting rules and policies of the said law.

The UHC also aims to provide more hospitals in remote areas and provinces.

See full details below