Lee Proposes Creation of National Medicine Bank to Aid Vulnerable Filipinos
Lee Proposes Creation of National Medicine Bank to Aid Vulnerable Filipinos Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has filed House Bill No. 11082, also known as the “Medicine Bank Act,” to establish a National Medicine Bank aimed at providing vulnerable sectors with access to essential medicines and healthcare supplies. This proposed measure seeks to efficiently collect and distribute donated pharmaceuticals to community health centers and government facilities. Lee emphasized the importance of this initiative while speaking at the 50th Anniversary of the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists Inc. (IPAO). “Kapag naisabatas ito, hindi na magiging pahirapan para sa ating mga kababayan ang access sa gamot, lalo na sa panahon ng kalamidad,” Lee said. Under the proposed measure, the Department of Health (DOH) will oversee the inventory and proper storage of donated items, ensuring these resources are utilized effectively and waste is minimized. “This is about responsible management of excess medical resources, turning waste into life-saving aid for those who need it most,” Lee added. The solon’s proposal is part of his broader advocacy for accessible healthcare, addressing long-standing issues in public hospital supply chains that have left many Filipinos struggling to afford or access medication. #MedicineBankPH #HealthForAll #WiseLeadership Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 23 Nov 2024 Lee’s Free Vaccination Bill for Seniors Aligns with Universal Health Care Goals 22 Nov 2024 “Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!”: Lee Pushes Free Vaccines for Senior Citizens 21 Nov 2024 Lee Pushes for Free Vaccines for All Senior Citizens Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee’s Free Vaccination Bill for Seniors Aligns with Universal Health Care Goals
Lee’s Free Vaccination Bill for Seniors Aligns with Universal Health Care Goals Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee continues his health advocacy by filing a measure to provide free vaccines for all senior citizens, a step he believes will strengthen the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act’s promise of accessible healthcare for all. House Bill No. 11055 proposes to amend the Expanded Senior Citizens Act to expand free immunization coverage to all seniors. “Vaccines are crucial in preventing severe illnesses among older adults, whose immune systems weaken with age,” Lee said. The measure includes vaccines for influenza, pneumococcal disease, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, and other diseases identified by the DOH. This initiative complements Lee’s ongoing efforts to monitor the commitments of the DOH and PhilHealth, including free diagnostic scans, 80% cancer treatment coverage, and the 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits set for implementation this November. “Public funds must be used for public health, especially for vulnerable sectors like our senior citizens,” Lee asserted. Lee’s advocacy has already achieved significant milestones, such as the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits earlier this year. He remains firm in his commitment: “Health should not be a privilege; it is a right. I will continue to fight for healthcare services that every Filipino, especially our elderly, truly deserves.” ##HealthForSeniors #VaccinesSaveLives #WiseAdvocacy Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 23 Nov 2024 Lee’s Free Vaccination Bill for Seniors Aligns with Universal Health Care Goals 22 Nov 2024 “Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!”: Lee Pushes Free Vaccines for Senior Citizens 21 Nov 2024 Lee Pushes for Free Vaccines for All Senior Citizens Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
“Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!”: Lee Pushes Free Vaccines for Senior Citizens
“Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!”: Lee Pushes Free Vaccines for Senior Citizens Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has once again prioritized the welfare of senior citizens by proposing free vaccinations through House Bill No. 11055. The bill seeks to address the growing health risks faced by older Filipinos by ensuring they have access to immunizations without financial constraints. “Many of our senior citizens avoid seeking medical help due to high costs, leaving them vulnerable to preventable illnesses. This should not be the case,” Lee said. The proposed measure aims to include all seniors, regardless of income, in immunization programs and expand the list of free vaccines beyond influenza and pneumococcal diseases. For Lee, this initiative is not just about healthcare—it’s about dignity. “Our elderly deserve to live their remaining years in good health without worrying about where to get money for vaccines or hospital bills,” he emphasized. Lee also linked the measure to the broader goals of the Universal Health Care Act, reiterating his vision of a Philippines where medicines and medical services are accessible to all. “This is the promise of universal healthcare: Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!” #SeniorHealthCare #UniversalHealthCare #WiseMoves Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 22 Nov 2024 “Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!”: Lee Pushes Free Vaccines for Senior Citizens 21 Nov 2024 Lee Pushes for Free Vaccines for All Senior Citizens 21 Nov 2024 Lee Bats For Creation Of Ph Medicine Bank For Vulnerable Sectors Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Pushes for Free Vaccines for All Senior Citizens
Lee Pushes for Free Vaccines for All Senior Citizens Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has filed House Bill No. 11055, also known as the “Safeguarding Seniors: Free Immunization Act of 2024,” to provide free vaccines for all senior citizens in the country. This proposed measure seeks to amend the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 to include all seniors, not just indigents, in free immunization programs. Lee’s bill aims to expand free vaccination coverage beyond influenza and pneumococcal diseases to include vaccines for pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, diphtheria, and other illnesses as recommended by the Department of Health (DOH). “Sa kanilang pagtanda, sila naman ang gusto nating arugain. Kailangang gawing libre ang bakuna para mapanatili ang kanilang kalusugan,” Lee said. The Bicolano lawmaker underscored the importance of protecting the elderly from preventable diseases, citing their vulnerability due to weaker immune systems. “By providing free vaccines, we can ease the burden of illness and reduce the financial strain on seniors and their families,” he added. This move aligns with the Universal Health Care Act’s vision of free and accessible healthcare for all Filipinos. Lee reiterated his commitment to ensuring no senior citizen is left behind in the country’s healthcare system. #FreeVaccinesForSeniors #HealthForAll #WiseLeadership Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 21 Nov 2024 Lee Pushes for Free Vaccines for All Senior Citizens 21 Nov 2024 Lee Bats For Creation Of Ph Medicine Bank For Vulnerable Sectors 20 Nov 2024 Lee Links Red Tape in Worsening Struggles in PH Healthcare Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Bats For Creation Of Ph Medicine Bank For Vulnerable Sectors
Lee Bats For Creation Of Ph Medicine Bank For Vulnerable Sectors Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has filed a measure to establish an efficient collection of donated pharmaceuticals and healthcare supplies to be distributed to community health centers and various government-owned and operated institutional facilities for the benefit of Filipinos in need. At the sidelines of the 50th Anniversary of the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists Inc. (IPAO) where Lee attended as Guest Speaker today, he stressed the importance of an efficient collection and distribution of donated pharmaceuticals and healthcare supplies to ensure that vulnerable individuals can receive necessary medications. Under Lee’s House Bill (HB) No. 11082 or the “Medicine Bank Act”, a National Medicine Bank will be created which will serve as a Mega-Hub for appropriate storage for all medicines such as prescription, non-prescription, and over-the-counter drugs, and other donated items. “Kapag naisabatas ito, hindi na magiging pahirapan para sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa mga nasa malalayong lugar ang access sa gamot, pati na sa panahon ng kalamidad. Kasama sa mga pagbibigyan ng mga gamot ang community health centers at government facilities. Hindi na kakailanganin pang bumiyahe at gumastos nang malaki para makabili ng gamot,” Lee remarked. Through this measure, the Department of Health (DOH) is tasked to conduct a careful inventory of the donated materials and their maintenance. This aims to promote responsible management of excess medical resources, reducing waste and optimizing the use of available healthcare supplies. It can be recalled that during the Bicolano lawmaker’s interpellation on the proposed 2025 DOH Budget, he questioned the supply chain issues hindering marginalized Filipinos to access medicines and medical equipment in public hospitals. “Bilyon-bilyong piso ang pondo para sa gamot pero bakit laging problema ng ating mga kababayan na walang gamot sa mga public hospitals? Bakit pinahihirapan pa ang ating mga kababayan na maghanap at bumili ng mas mahal na gamot sa labas? Saan napunta yung bilyon-bilyong pondo? Ano bang klase ng gamot ang binibili, at hindi tumutugma sa mga gamot na kailangan sa mga public hospital?” Lee asked. “Marami po sa ating mga kababayan ang napipilitang hatiin na lang ang gamot o kaya tinitiis na lang ang karamdaman dahil walang pambili ng gamot o dahil sa kawalan ng access dito. Obligasyon ng gobyernong agarang tugunan ito.” “Gusto natin na mabawasan ang pangamba ng bawat Pilipino na kapag nagkasakit o may di-inaasahang pangyayari, may tutulong at sasagot sa gamot at pagpapagamot nila at ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat libre, dapat sagot na ng gobyerno,” he added. A staunch health advocate, Lee continues to monitor the implementation of the mentioned commitments he sealed from the DOH and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) during the House Budget Deliberations last September. The commitments include free optometric services and free eyeglasses and another 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits this November, free Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, Computed Tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and other diagnostic tests as part of outpatient services and at least 80% coverage for cancer treatments and procedures for heart diseases not later than December 31, 2024. The Bicolano lawmaker likewise successfully pushed for the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits implemented last February 14. The benefit hike includes increasing the PhilHealth benefit package for hemodialysis from P2,600 to P6,350 per session and from 90 sessions per year to 156 sessions annually, as well as the increase in breast cancer treatment coverage from P100,000 to P1.4 million. Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 21 Nov 2024 Lee Bats For Creation Of Ph Medicine Bank For Vulnerable Sectors 20 Nov 2024 Lee Links Red Tape in Worsening Struggles in PH Healthcare 19 Nov 2024 Lee Advocates for Immediate Reform in Government Emergency Response Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Links Red Tape in Worsening Struggles in PH Healthcare
Lee Links Red Tape in Worsening Struggles in PH Healthcare Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee underscored how red tape in government processes extends to healthcare, preventing Filipinos from accessing life-saving medical assistance. Through House Resolution No. 2051, Lee seeks to simplify and expedite government services to benefit citizens in need. “Many Filipinos, especially those who are sick, choose to endure their illnesses at home rather than seek medical help because of high costs and the tedious process of applying for assistance. This must change,” Lee declared. The Bicolano lawmaker has long been an advocate for healthcare reforms. He reminded the public of the commitments he secured from the DOH and PhilHealth to reduce medical costs and expand benefits, including free diagnostic scans and increased PhilHealth coverage for cancer and heart disease treatments by the end of 2024. Lee also celebrated his success in pushing for a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits earlier this year. He reiterated, “The government’s funds are the people’s money. There is no reason Filipinos should not receive the services they rightfully deserve.” #HealthcareReform #GamotMoSagotKo #WiseLeadership Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 20 Nov 2024 Lee Links Red Tape in Worsening Struggles in PH Healthcare 19 Nov 2024 Lee Advocates for Immediate Reform in Government Emergency Response 18 Nov 2024 Lee Urges Simplification of Government Services to Aid Filipinos in Need Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Advocates for Immediate Reform in Government Emergency Response
Lee Advocates for Immediate Reform in Government Emergency Response Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee called out the inefficiencies in government emergency response systems as he filed House Resolution No. 2051, aimed at streamlining and simplifying processes in availing government services. He highlighted the struggles of calamity-stricken Filipinos burdened by excessive requirements when seeking assistance. “It is unacceptable that victims of disasters, who have already lost their livelihoods, still need to endure mountains of paperwork or beg for help just to receive government aid,” Lee asserted. Lee’s resolution urges the full implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Act and other anti-red tape laws to improve service delivery during emergencies. He also noted that the absence of streamlined systems not only delays aid but also encourages corruption within agencies. “We must act decisively to fix this broken system and prioritize the welfare of the people,” Lee said. The Bicolano solon emphasized that public funds are meant to serve the public efficiently, adding, “Government service should be immediate and helpful, not an additional burden to Filipinos.” #EaseOfDoingBusiness #EmergencyResponseReform #WiseAdvocacy Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 17 Nov 2024 Lee Slams DOH For Delays in Delivering Health Benefits to Filipinos 16 Nov 2024 Lee Demands Swift Action on DOH and PhilHealth Health Commitments 15 Nov 2024 Lee Criticizes DOH for Failing to Deliver Promised Healthcare Plan Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Urges Simplification of Government Services to Aid Filipinos in Need
Lee Urges Simplification of Government Services to Aid Filipinos in Need “Tulungan ang taumbayan, hindi pahirapan!” This was the strong declaration of Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee as he filed House Resolution No. 2051, pushing for the simplification of government processes and requirements. His measure seeks to ensure that Filipinos, particularly those affected by calamities, can access government services without unnecessary burdens. Lee’s resolution emphasizes the importance of effective implementation of existing laws like the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 (RA 9485) and the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 (RA 11032). “Despite these laws, Filipinos still face excessive paperwork, long application hours, and unnecessary requirements, especially during emergencies when swift assistance is crucial,” Lee lamented. The solon also pointed out how inefficient systems foster corruption, calling for a decisive overhaul of government processes. “We need radical action to eliminate red tape and ensure government services are accessible, efficient, and corruption-free,” he said. As a staunch advocate for the Filipino people, Lee vowed to continue fighting for measures that make government services more responsive and people-centered, especially during times of crisis. #AntiRedTape #GovernmentForThePeople #WiseLeadership Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 17 Nov 2024 Lee Slams DOH For Delays in Delivering Health Benefits to Filipinos 16 Nov 2024 Lee Demands Swift Action on DOH and PhilHealth Health Commitments 15 Nov 2024 Lee Criticizes DOH for Failing to Deliver Promised Healthcare Plan Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Slams DOH For Delays in Delivering Health Benefits to Filipinos
Lee Slams DOH For Delays in Delivering Health Benefits to Filipinos “Bawat araw ng delay ay maraming Pilipino ang naghihirap, nalulubog sa utang, o namamatay dahil sa kakulangan ng serbisyong pangkalusugan.” This was the strong statement from Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee as he held the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth accountable for their commitments to improve healthcare access for Filipinos. Lee criticized the agencies for failing to meet deadlines and implement promised reforms under the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Law. Lee pointed out the DOH’s delay in submitting a comprehensive plan to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs, a promise Health Secretary Ted Herbosa made during budget deliberations. “If the Secretary cannot fulfill these commitments, he should step down. Public service is about delivering results, not empty promises,” Lee said. In addition to his criticism, Lee highlighted the looming deadlines for other commitments, such as 50% PhilHealth benefit increases, 80% coverage for cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and procedures for heart diseases, and expanded diagnostic services by year-end. He reminded the agencies that billions of pesos allocated for healthcare must be used efficiently to provide life-saving benefits to Filipinos. The Bicolano lawmaker’s advocacy for better healthcare services has yielded results, including significant increases in PhilHealth coverage for hemodialysis and breast cancer treatment and full coverage for dialysis. “This fight is for every Filipino family who dreams of a day when healthcare is a right, not a privilege,” Lee declared. #UniversalHealthCare #HealthIsARight #WiseLeadership Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 15 Nov 2024 Lee Criticizes DOH for Failing to Deliver Promised Healthcare Plan 14 Nov 2024 Lee Wants Free Vaccines For All Senior Citizens 14 Nov 2024 Lee Lauds Supreme Court’s TRO, Renews Call for Enhanced UHC Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Demands Swift Action on DOH and PhilHealth Health Commitments
Lee Demands Swift Action on DOH and PhilHealth Health Commitments Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee intensified his call for accountability from the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth, criticizing the delay in delivering on their health commitments. Among these are the 50% across-the-board increases in PhilHealth benefits and free prescription glasses for adults and children, set for implementation in November. Lee emphasized the urgency of fulfilling these promises, pointing out the dire consequences of delayed action. “Every day of delay means another Filipino family pushed deeper into poverty because of health expenses. The funds are there—use them for the people’s health!” Lee urged. During the 2025 budget deliberations, Lee also secured commitments for free diagnostic scans, including PET, CT, and MRI scans, and 80% coverage for cancer and heart disease treatments by the end of 2024. “These services are not luxuries; they are necessities. Filipinos cannot wait any longer,” he remarked. The lawmaker, known for his health advocacy, highlighted his previous success in pushing for a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits. “If we can achieve that, there’s no reason why we can’t immediately deliver more comprehensive healthcare reforms,” he added, vowing to continue monitoring the agencies’ compliance. #PhilHealthReforms #GamotMoSagotKo #WiseAdvocacy Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 15 Nov 2024 Lee Criticizes DOH for Failing to Deliver Promised Healthcare Plan 14 Nov 2024 Lee Wants Free Vaccines For All Senior Citizens 14 Nov 2024 Lee Lauds Supreme Court’s TRO, Renews Call for Enhanced UHC Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News