WilbertHealthAdvocacy

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 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 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 Calls for PhilHealth Meeting to Be Livestreamed for Public Transparency

Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Calls for PhilHealth Meeting to Be Livestreamed for Public Transparency Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee has filed House Resolution No. 2015 urging the Benefits Committee (BenCom) of PhilHealth, led by the Department of Health (DOH), to convene immediately for benefit increases and livestream their meeting for public access. Lee emphasized that with over P500 billion in PhilHealth funds, the public deserves to know how their entitlements are being decided. “Dapat ipatupad na sa lalong madaling panahon ang mga dagdag na coverage sa mga sakit at operasyon,” Lee stressed, pushing for real-time updates to keep the public informed. #PhilHealthTransparency #HealthForAll #WilbertLeeAdvocacy #HealthcareAccessNow Healthcare Access and Equity 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 to Hold DOH Accountable Over Slow PhilHealth Benefit Increases

Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee to Hold DOH Accountable Over Slow PhilHealth Benefit Increases Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee has vowed to hold the Department of Health (DOH) accountable during the House Plenary debates on its 2025 Proposed Budget, focusing on the department’s slow implementation of PhilHealth benefit increases. With billions in funds, Lee questioned why diagnostic tests like PET Scan, CT Scan, and MRI have yet to be included in urgent care packages. “Illness shouldn’t cost livelihoods,” Lee stressed, reiterating his call for a 50% increase in PhilHealth coverage. #HealthForAll #PhilHealthAccountability #WilbertLeeForChange #DOHBudgetDebates Healthcare Access and Equity 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