WilbertHealthAdvocacy

Lee Slams DOH Chief for Failing to Deliver Healthcare Commitments

Lee Slams DOH Chief for Failing to Deliver Healthcare Commitments Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has reiterated his call for the resignation of DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa over his failure to fulfill healthcare promises. These commitments, signed by Herbosa and PhilHealth CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., were meant to improve the country’s healthcare system but have faced significant delays. The unfulfilled promises include free diagnostic tests like PET, CT, and MRI scans, 80% coverage for cancer treatments and increase of PhilHealth benefits by 50%. Herbosa also failed to submit a plan to reduce medical costs, which was due last month, and implement the 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits. Lee expressed frustration with Herbosa’s lack of professionalism, stating, “If the DOH cannot even respond to Congress, how can they effectively lead the country’s healthcare system?” The solon warned, highlighting that millions of Filipinos are being let down by these delays, which worsen their health and financial struggles. As a staunch advocate for Universal Health Care in the country, Lee emphasized the need for leadership that delivers results. “If Secretary Herbosa cannot fulfill his duties, it’s time to find someone who can,” he said. #HealthcareAccountability #UniversalHealthCare #WiseMoves Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 28 Nov 2024 Lee Champions Medicine Bank to Address Public Hospital Shortages 27 Nov 2024 DOH Chief Must Resign Due To Undelivered Commitments – Lee 26 Nov 2024 National Medicine Bank: Lee’s Vision for Better Healthcare Access Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News STRICTER IMPLEMENTATION OF LAWS NEEDED TO BOOST ACCESS TO CHEAPER MEDICINES – LEE

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 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

PhilHealth Benefit Expansion: Lee Advocates Improvements in UHC Law

PhilHealth Benefit Expansion: Lee Advocates Improvements in UHC Law Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee, a staunch health advocate, is doubling down on his efforts to expand PhilHealth benefits through strategic amendments to the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Act. Lee’s House Bill No. 10995 proposes bold reforms to ensure Filipinos get better healthcare coverage without bearing the brunt of rising contributions. Lee cited the challenges facing UHC implementation, including inadequate reviews of benefit packages and fund management inefficiencies. “Napakaraming pera ng PhilHealth, dapat ilaan ito di lang sa pagpapalawak ng mga benepisyo kundi pati na rin sa pagpapababa ng kontribusyon,” Lee asserted, highlighting his push for reduced premiums and better coverage. The Bicolano lawmaker has also championed life-saving measures like the free provision of diagnostic scans, prescription glasses, and expanded cancer and heart procedure coverage. Earlier this year, Lee celebrated the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits, including a dramatic rise in breast cancer treatment coverage from P100,000 to P1.4 million and expanded hemodialysis sessions from 90 to 156 annually with a coverage of P6,350 per session from P2,000. “Our people deserve more than incremental improvements. They deserve bold actions that will lift the burden of medical costs off their shoulders,” Lee said, renewing his commitment to improving healthcare accessibility for all Filipinos. #PhilHealthReforms #GamotMoSagotKo #WiseMoves Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 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 11 Nov 2024 Lee Pushes for UHC Act Amendments to Ease Filipinos’ Healthcare Burdens Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Lee Blasts DOH For Failure To Submit Comprehensive Plan To Lower Out-Of-Pocket Medical Costs

Lee Blasts DOH For Failure To Submit Comprehensive Plan To Lower Out-Of-Pocket Medical Costs Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee slammed the Department of Health (DOH) for being unable to provide a detailed and comprehensive plan to lower out-of-pocket expenses of Filipinos on healthcare which Secretary Ted Herbosa committed to submit by October 31, 2024 during the House deliberations of the 2025 National Budget. The said plan must include a comprehensive report on medicines and vaccines, ensuring availability of drugs and medicines in the DOH retained and specialty hospital starting fourth quarter of this year, and establishment of a monitoring system to ensure compliance and provide quarterly reports to the House Committee on Health and Committee on Appropriations. Further, Lee asked for a definite timeline in acquiring medical equipment for public hospitals. “Bilang Kalihim ng Kalusugan at Tagapangulo ng Board of Directors at Benefits Committee ng PhilHealth, hindi pwedeng hanggang sa pangako lang ang mga benepisyong pangkalusugan na opisyal naming nilagdaan at inilahad ko sa Kongreso,” said Lee referring to the health commitments signed by Herbosa and PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. “Tulad ng nauna ko nang sinabi, kung walang balak si Sec. Herbosa na tuparin ito, dapat magbitiw na siya sa puwesto. Hindi tayo titigil sa paniningil at pagpapanagot kung mauuwi ito sa pagpapaasa na naman sa milyon-milyong Pilipino sa mga serbisyong deserve at karapatan nilang makuha sa ilalim ng Universal Health Care Law,” the solon added. Lee wrote letters addressed to the Health Secretary reminding the agency of the said commitments, primarily the plan to reduce Filipino spending on hospitalization costs and health services. Nonetheless, as of writing, the said plan has not been submitted by DOH without any explanation on the delay. “Kailangan ng komprehensibong plano na pundasyon ng epektibong pagpapatupad ng hinihingi nating mga dagdag na mga benepisyo. Hindi pwedeng daanin na naman tayo sa pandidribble at tingi-tinging mga serbisyo,” he said. Lee further stated the other commitments nearing its deadline such as 50% across-the-board PhilHealth benefit increases and free pediatrics and adult prescription glasses that must be implemented this November. “Nakita na natin ang pag-usad sa dapat na implementasyon ng libreng check-up sa mata at pagpapagawa ng salamin ng PhilHealth. Naghihintay tayo para sa napagkasunduang 50% na dagdag na mga benepisyo na dapat na ring ipatupad ng DOH at PhilHealth ngayong buwan,” the solon from Bicol said. Apart from the mentioned commitments, it can be recalled that during the last House Plenary Debates on the DOH 2025 Budget on September 25, Lee secured other commitments such as 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 such as chemotherapy and procedures for heart diseases not later than December 31, 2024. A staunch health advocate, the solon from Bicol successfully fought for the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits which was implemented last February 14. These include 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 P1.4M. “Sa laban para sa kalusugan ng mga Pilipino, hindi pwede ang mga serbisyong huwad at pagpapanggap lang. Dahil habang pinatatagal at ipinagkakait ang mga dagdag na mga benepisyong pangkalusugan, maraming Pilipino ang namamatay at lumalala ang sakit, na nagpapaguho sa mga pangarap ng pamilya at lalong nagpapalubog sa ating mga kababayan sa kahirapan,” Lee said. “Laban natin itong lahat para makamit ang pangarap at hangarin ng mga Pilipino na maging libre na ang gamot at pagpapagamot. Ibigay na ang kayang ibigay! Bilyon-bilyong pondo para sa kalusugan, gamitin sa kalusugan!” he added.  Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 07 Nov 2024 Lee Blasts DOH For Failure To Submit Comprehensive Plan To Lower Out-Of-Pocket Medical Costs 06 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee’s Push for Free Optometric Services to Benefit 40M Filipinos 05 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Welcomes Inclusion of Free Eyeglasses in PhilHealth Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Urges PhilHealth to Fast-Track Benefit Increases for Critical Treatments

Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Urges PhilHealth to Fast-Track Benefit Increases for Critical Treatments Amid growing concerns over costly medical procedures, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee has called for the Department of Health to immediately convene the Benefits Committee with livestream and increase PhilHealth coverage for major medical treatments such as cancer and coronary artery disease. Lee’s House Resolution No. 2015 demands urgent action, emphasizing that PhilHealth’s billions in funds should be used for expanding health benefits. “Ang pondo para sa kalusugan, dapat gamitin para sa kalusugan!” Lee declared, urging that benefits be rolled out swiftly to relieve Filipinos of the financial burden of healthcare. #ExpandPhilHealthBenefits #WilbertLeeForHealthcare #BetterHealthCoverage #PhilHealthReforms Healthcare Policy Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 08 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Secures Free Prescription Glasses in PhilHealth Package, Ensuring Eye Care for All 07 Nov 2024 Lee Blasts DOH For Failure To Submit Comprehensive Plan To Lower Out-Of-Pocket Medical Costs 06 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee’s Push for Free Optometric Services to Benefit 40M Filipinos Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

“Sampolan ang DOH!” Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Blocks Budget Over Failure to Implement PhilHealth Changes

“Sampolan ang DOH!” Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Blocks Budget Over Failure to Implement PhilHealth Changes Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee expresses strong dedication to healthcare reform anew by blocking the DOH budget in the House plenary session. Lee demanded a clear plan for PhilHealth benefit increases, including diagnostics and cancer treatments, to alleviate the burden on Filipinos. “Ang sabi ‘Bawat buhay mahalaga’ patunayan natin ito sa pamamagitan ng pagtataas ng benepisyo. Libreng gamot at pagpapagamot, gawin na natin!” Lee emphasized, adding that the current system continues to fail millions of Filipinos who struggle with healthcare costs. Lee remains determined to hold the DOH and PhilHealth accountable, pushing for reforms that will bring lasting change to the country’s healthcare system. #WilbertLeeForHealthcare #DOHAccountability #PhilHealthReformNow #HealthForThePeople Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 08 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Secures Free Prescription Glasses in PhilHealth Package, Ensuring Eye Care for All 07 Nov 2024 Lee Blasts DOH For Failure To Submit Comprehensive Plan To Lower Out-Of-Pocket Medical Costs 06 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee’s Push for Free Optometric Services to Benefit 40M Filipinos Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Stands Firm: Demands Radical Overhaul in PhilHealth Benefits

Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Stands Firm: Demands Radical Overhaul in PhilHealth Benefits In a bold move during the House plenary debates, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee deferred the 2025 DOH budget, insisting on a comprehensive plan for increased PhilHealth benefits. Lee called for immediate action, including a 50% benefits increase and full coverage for diagnostic tests and cancer treatments. “We need a radical overhaul, hindi tingi-tingi na suporta sa serbisyong pangkalusugan,” Lee stressed, as he urged the DOH to present clear timelines for these reforms. #RadicalHealthReforms #PhilHealthOverhaul #WilbertLeeAdvocacy #HealthcareForAll Healthcare Policy Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 08 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Secures Free Prescription Glasses in PhilHealth Package, Ensuring Eye Care for All 07 Nov 2024 Lee Blasts DOH For Failure To Submit Comprehensive Plan To Lower Out-Of-Pocket Medical Costs 06 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee’s Push for Free Optometric Services to Benefit 40M Filipinos Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News