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
Lee Criticizes DOH for Failing to Deliver Promised Healthcare Plan
Lee Criticizes DOH for Failing to Deliver Promised Healthcare Plan Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has publicly denounced the Department of Health (DOH) for its failure to submit a comprehensive plan to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs for Filipinos, a promise Health Secretary Ted Herbosa made during the House deliberations for the 2025 National Budget. The deadline for submission was October 31, 2024. The Bicolano lawmaker expressed frustration over the DOH’s inability to meet its commitments, which include ensuring the availability of essential medicines in government hospitals, creating a monitoring system for compliance, and presenting a timeline for acquiring medical equipment for public hospitals. “Empty promises are not enough,” Lee stated, emphasizing the importance of action over words. Lee wrote to Secretary Herbosa to remind him of the agreed commitments, but as of writing, no plan has been submitted, nor has the delay been explained. “Filipinos deserve a clear and actionable plan. This piecemeal approach to healthcare services won’t cut it anymore,” Lee remarked. With key deadlines for other commitments approaching, including 50% increases in PhilHealth benefits and free prescription glasses for adults and children this November, Lee reiterated his demand for accountability and immediate action from the DOH and PhilHealth. #AccountabilityNow #HealthcareForAll #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 Wants Free Vaccines For All Senior Citizens
Lee Wants Free Vaccines For All Senior Citizens Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee filed a measure to provide free vaccines against infectious diseases for senior citizens and protect their health and well-being. Lee’s House Bill (HB) No. 11055 or the “Safeguarding Seniors: Free Immunization Act of 2024” seeks to amend Republic Act No. 9994 or the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010,” by including all senior citizens, instead of being limited to indigents, to have free vaccination. The Bicolano lawmaker also proposed that aside from free vaccines for influenza virus and pneumococcal disease, free immunization should cover pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus and diphtheria, and other diseases as the Department of Health (DOH) deems necessary. “Tayong mga Pilipino ay malaki ang pagpapahalaga sa ating mga lolo at lola, sa ating mga magulang na nag-alaga at nagpalaki sa atin, at nagtaguyod sa ating pamilya. Sa kanilang pagtanda, sila naman ang gusto nating arugain at talagang dapat pagkalooban ng karampatang kalinga,” he said. “Many diseases can have severe or even fatal effects for older adults, whose immune systems often become weaker as they age. Kaya napakahalaga ng bakuna para maiwasan ang mga sakit, lalo na kung gagawin itong libre at mas accessible para sa lahat ng ating senior citizens,” he added. For Lee, protecting senior citizens from diseases will not only sustain their health but will ease their concern from falling ill as they fear sinking further into poverty due to their inability to buy medicine or pay for hospital expenses. “Laging may pangamba ang ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang ating senior citizens, na magkasakit, dahil ayaw na nilang maging pabigat pa sa pamilya, lalo sa mahal na gastos sa gamot at pagpapa-ospital. Kaya marami ang hinahayaan na lang ang karamdaman, hindi nagpapa-checkup at parang naghihintay na lang ng oras nila,” Lee remarked. “Hindi ito deserve ng bawat Pilipino lalo na ng ating mga senior citizens. Dapat siguruhin ng Estado na napapangalagaan ang kanilang kalusugan at hindi na dapat nila problemahin kung saan sila kukuha ng pangbakuna,” he added. The solon from Bicol likewise underscored that the proposed free vaccination for all senior citizens is anchored on the promise of RA 11223 or the “Universal Health Care Act,” saying, “Ito ang layunin ng Universal Health Care Law, na maging libre na ang gamot at pagpapagamot para sa lahat ng Pilipino.” “Ang pangarap ko sa bawat Pilipino: Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!” he said. Currently, Lee continues to monitor the implementation of the commitments he sealed from the DOH and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) during the last House Plenary Debates on the DOH 2025 Budget on September 25. Among the commitments he secured is for DOH to submit a comprehensive report on medicine and vaccines ensuring their availability in DOH retained and specialty hospitals starting fourth quarter of this year. Other commitments include free Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, Computed Tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and other diagnostic tests as part of outpatient services; at least 80% coverage for cancer treatments and procedures for heart diseases not later than December 31, 2024; free optometric services and free eyeglasses and another 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits this November. “Nakatutok tayo sa pagtupad ng kasunduang ito na ipinangako ng DOH at PhilHealth sa milyon-milyon nating kababayan. Hindi dapat ipagkait sa mga Pilipino ang mga pondong inilaan para sa kanilang kalusugan. Hindi ito dapat bawasan o ilipat sa ibang programa na wala namang mamamatay kung hindi gawin, dahil lang sa kupad o hindi ito nagamit sa loob ng mahabang panahon,” he said. A staunch health advocate, Lee successfully pushed for the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits implemented last February 14 after he exposed the billions of investible funds in the state health insurer’s coffers. 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 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 13 Nov 2024 PhilHealth Benefit Expansion: Lee Advocates Improvements in UHC Law Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Lauds Supreme Court’s TRO, Renews Call for Enhanced UHC Benefits
Lee Lauds Supreme Court’s TRO, Renews Call for Enhanced UHC Benefits Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee welcomed the Supreme Court’s issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on the transfer of PhilHealth funds to the National Treasury, signaling a potential win for expanded healthcare benefits. Lee has long been at the forefront of pushing for reforms to maximize PhilHealth’s resources for Filipinos’ welfare. “This TRO means more funds can go toward the radical expansion of benefits we’ve been advocating for,” Lee remarked. He reiterated his proposals under House Bill No. 10995, which include lowering premium contributions, periodic reviews of benefit packages, and suspending increases during emergencies. Lee’s health advocacy has yielded significant wins, such as the February 14 PhilHealth benefit expansion. These achievements include increased breast cancer treatment coverage, improved hemodialysis sessions, and reduced out-of-pocket expenses for thousands of families. “Bawat araw ay marami tayong kababayan ang hindi makabili ng gamot o makapagpa-checkup. Karapatan nila ito na dapat ipagkaloob ng gobyerno,” Lee asserted. His call for universal healthcare echoes his trademark slogan: “Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!” Lee vowed to continue his fight for comprehensive healthcare reforms, emphasizing that health is a right, not a privilege. “Ang gamot at pagpapagamot ng bawat Pilipino, sagot na dapat ng gobyerno. Yan ang ating ipinaglalaban,” he concluded. #HealthIsARight #UHCReforms #WiseAdvocacy Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 14 Nov 2024 Lee Lauds Supreme Court’s TRO, Renews Call for Enhanced UHC Benefits 13 Nov 2024 PhilHealth Benefit Expansion: Lee Advocates Improvements in UHC Law 12 Nov 2024 Lee Files Measure To Simplify Processes In Availing Gov't Services, Hasten Emergency Response Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News