Zero Gov’t Subsidy For PhilHealth Injustice To Filipinos, Fast-Track Health Benefit Increases – Lee
Zero Gov’t Subsidy For PhilHealth Injustice To Filipinos, Fast-Track Health Benefit Increases – Lee “Kung may malinaw na plano at nagagamit agad ang pondo para sa dagdag-benepisyo, hindi sana zero ang subsidy.” This was the statement of Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee as he slammed the Department of Health (DOH) over the recent removal of government subsidy for Philippine Health Insurance (PhilHealth) in the 2025 National Budget. “Ang sinasabing dahilan ng zero subsidy ay dahil marami pang pondo ang PhilHealth. Pero para sa atin, hindi ito ‘excess funds’ kundi ‘unused funds’–pondo ito na dapat napakinabangan na ng mga Pilipino. Yung subsidy na ipinagkait para sa susunod na taon, ay mailalaan pa sana sa mga serbisyo para sa mas nangangailangan nating mga kababayan,” Lee said during the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on Tuesday. “Nung nakaraang taon pa natin inexpose na nasa mahigit 500 billion pesos o kalahating trilyon ang nakatengga sa bangko ng PhilHealth, na dapat gamitin ito agad sa pagpapalawak ng benepisyo. Pero anong nangyari? Napakakupad ng implementasyon. Ano ba talagang rason ng delay?” “Di ko matanggap na wala tayong paraan para bilisan ito. Kailangan ba araw-araw kayo magmeeting para magawa ito? A little more patience? Anong kapalit, more patients dying? Kung lagi na lang magtitiis sa napakabagal na dagdag na benepisyo, baka lagi nang ma-zero ang subsidy ng PhilHealth,” the solon from Bicol added. Citing the commitments he sealed with DOH and PhilHealth during the House Budget Deliberations last September 25, Lee underscored the urgent need to use the available funds of PhilHealth to provide quality health services for Filipinos, especially the vulnerable sectors. “Sa bilyon-bilyong halaga na meron ang PhilHealth at sa dapat na naipagkaloob na subsidy, marami nating mga kababayan ang pwedeng masagot na ang PET scan, CT scan, MRI, at mababawasan ang gastos sa pagpapa-ospital, lalo na sa pagpapagamot ng mga mabibigat na karamdaman,” the lawmaker said. “Oktubre pa natin hiningi sa DOH, sa kasunduan na pinirmahan mismo ni Sec. Ted Herbosa, na pinresenta natin sa Kongreso, ang komprehensibong plano para sa pagpapababa ng gastos ng Pilipino sa pagpapa-ospital. Pero wala man lang siyang paramdam sa atin. Kung may kongkreto sanang plano kung saan gagamitin ang pondo, mas maipaglalaban pa natin ang subsidiya para sa PhilHealth.” “Nasaan ang hustisya kung sa pagka-manhid at kapalpakan ng ilang namumuno, milyon-milyong Pilipino ang magdurusa at mapagkakaitan ng dagdag na benepisyong pangkalusugan? Kaya ang panawagan natin, magbitiw na si Sec. Herbosa kung siya rin lang naman ang nagpapabagal sa pagpapatupad ng mga benepisyong karapatan at deserve ng ating mga kababayan,” Lee earlier stated. Through Lee’s secured commitments, PhilHealth Board recently approved the following: – Free eye checkup and free eyeglasses, including free operation for cataract– Expanded PhilHealth coverage for heart procedures– Expanded emergency care benefit package– 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits on some case rates A staunch health advocate, the Bicolano lawmaker is also instrumental in the 30% increase of PhilHealth benefits implemented last February 2024. PhilHealth’s benefit package for hemodialysis was also expanded from P2,600 to P6,350 per session and from 90 sessions per year to 156 sessions annually, as well as the breast cancer treatment coverage which increased from P100,000 to P1.4 million. “Sa kabila ng mga dagdag benepisyong ito, kulang na kulang pa ito. Hindi pwedeng tingi-tingi pa rin ang serbisyo lalo na sa kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan. Pwede ba natin sabihin sa mga kababayan natin na ‘wag muna silang magkasakit, na ‘wag muna silang magpa-opera kasi hinihintay pang madagdagan ‘yung sasagutin ng PhilHealth?” Lee asked.“Marami ang pinipili na lang maratay sa bahay sa kabila ng karamdaman, sa takot na malubog lalo sa utang at kahirapan at maging pabigat pa sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Kung magpapatuloy ang zero subsidy dahil sa kawalan o mabagal na benefit enhancement at malaking investible funds ng PhilHealth, di maibibigay sa mga Pilipino ang nararapat na kalinga. Without a clear and actionable plan and clear coordination between the DOH and PhilHealth, we are simply perpetuating a broken system that will prolong the suffering of our countrymen.” “Ang layunin natin: ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat libre na, sagot na ng gobyerno. Wag tayong gumawa ng mga polisiya na paurong, kundi palapit sa katuparan ng mga nararapat na serbisyo para sa mga Pilipino,” he concluded. Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 17 Dec 2024 Zero Gov't Subsidy For PhilHealth Injustice To Filipinos, Fast-Track Health Benefit Increases – Lee 17 Dec 2024 Lee Blasts DOH for Wasted Medicines, Calls for Secretary’s Resignation 16 Dec 2024 Lee Demands Investigation into ₱11-B Expired Medicines and Vaccines Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Blasts DOH for Wasted Medicines, Calls for Secretary’s Resignation
Lee Blasts DOH for Wasted Medicines, Calls for Secretary’s Resignation Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has demanded accountability from the Department of Health (DOH) over ₱11.18 billion worth of expired medicines and vaccines, describing the waste as an unforgivable lapse in governance. In filing House Resolution No. 2117, Lee also reiterated his call for DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa’s resignation, citing persistent inefficiencies and unfulfilled commitments. “This isn’t just a case of expired supplies; this is a failure to serve the Filipino people. While public hospitals run out of medicine, billions of pesos worth of health resources go to waste. Someone must answer for this,” Lee said. The COA report attributed the wastage to inadequate procurement planning and poor logistical management. Lee demanded a congressional inquiry to identify the root causes and prevent such negligence from happening again. He also called for reforms to ensure timely and effective distribution of public health resources. Lee criticized the DOH for failing to submit a comprehensive report on the availability of medicines and vaccines in public hospitals, a commitment made during the 2025 budget deliberations. “How can we improve healthcare if the department in charge cannot even fulfill basic responsibilities?” he questioned. The Bicolano lawmaker urged swift action to rebuild trust in the healthcare system, emphasizing that leadership changes may be necessary. “The Filipino people deserve a healthcare system led by capable and compassionate leaders,” he concluded. #HealthcareAccountability #StopTheWaste #WiseAdvocacy Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 12 Dec 2024 Lee Questions Zero Gov't Subsidy For PhilHealth In 2025 10 Dec 2024 Lee Seeks Probe Of P11-B Expired Medicines, Vaccines In DOH Warehouses, Health Facilities 08 Dec 2024 Lee Urges Immediate Release Of Gov't Health Workers’ Long-Delayed Performance Based Bonuses Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Questions Zero Gov’t Subsidy For PhilHealth In 2025
Lee Questions Zero Gov’t Subsidy For PhilHealth In 2025 Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee questioned the removal of government subsidy for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in the 2025 General Appropriations Bill recently approved by the Bicameral Conference Committee. According to Lee, the decision will worsen the burden of direct contributors and affect the beneficiaries of the subsidy such as indigents, senior citizens, unemployed persons with disabilities (PWDs), and financially-incapable Point-of-Service patients, among others. “Malinaw na salungat ito sa layunin ng Universal Health Care (UHC) Law. Taumbayan na naman ang kawawa dito na ang puno’t dulo ay ang kakuparan at kapalpakan ng ilan na dapat mangasiwa sa paggamit ng pondong nandyan na para mabawasan ang pangamba ng mga Pilipino lalo na sa kanilang kalusugan. Paano na ang mahihirap nating kababayan na tumatamasa ng benepisyo mula sa subsidiyang ito?” the Bicolano lawmaker asked. “Mahigit isang taon na natin itong ipinaglalaban. Pero kung manhid at nagbibingi-bingihan ang mismong pinuno ng DOH na si Secretary Ted Herbosa, na siya ring Chairperson ng Benefits Committee at PhilHealth Board, talagang magiging usad-pagong ang mga dagdag benepisyong ipinangako nila sa Kongreso at sa taumbayan,” he lamented. It can be recalled that Lee also opposed the transfer of PhilHealth’s P89.9 billion excess funds to the National Treasury. “Ang pondo para sa kalusugan ay dapat gamitin para sa kalusugan. Hindi ito dapat gamitin sa mga proyekto na di kasing halaga ng kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan, o sa mga proyektong wala namang mamamatay kung hindi gagawin,” the solon from Bicol earlier stressed. “Nasaan ang hustisya kung taumbayan ang magdurusa at mapagkakaitan ng benepisyo sa kasalanan at mga pagkukulang ng mga ahensya na may mandatong pagaanin ang pasanin ng mga Pilipino sa kanilang gamot at pagpapagamot. Walang karapatang manatili sa gobyerno ang walang pakialam sa hirap at pangambang araw-araw hinaharap ng milyon-milyon nating mga kababayan,” the lawmaker remarked. A staunch health advocate, Lee persistently pushed for the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits which was implemented last February 14. PhilHealth’s benefit package for hemodialysis was also expanded from P2,600 to P6,350 per session and from 90 sessions per year to 156 sessions annually, as well as the breast cancer treatment coverage which increased from P100,000 to P1.4 million. The Bicolano lawmaker is also the first to expose in 2023 that PhilHealth had an enormous available funds amounting to P466 billion investible funds and P68.4 billion net income, stressing that these should be used to expand health benefits and lower the premium contribution. Last September 25, Lee was able to secure the commitments from the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth to provide a comprehensive plan to lower the out-of-pocket medical expenses of Filipinos. He spearheaded the initiative for free optometric services and free eyeglasses, and is also pushing for free diagnostic tests such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, Computed Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as part of outpatient services, at least 80% coverage for cancer treatments and heart procedures, and another round of 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits. “Karapatan at deserve ng Pilipino ang sapat na pondo para ipatupad ang de-kalidad, maaasahan at mapagmalasakit na serbisyong pangkalusugan. Hindi magbabago ang paninindigan natin: Dapat palawakin at dagdagan pa ang mga benepisyong pangkalusugan hanggang sa maging libre na ang gamot at pagpapagamot ng bawat mamamayan,” he added. Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 12 Dec 2024 Lee Questions Zero Gov't Subsidy For PhilHealth In 2025 10 Dec 2024 Lee Seeks Probe Of P11-B Expired Medicines, Vaccines In DOH Warehouses, Health Facilities 08 Dec 2024 Lee Urges Immediate Release Of Gov't Health Workers’ Long-Delayed Performance Based Bonuses Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Seeks Probe Of P11-B Expired Medicines, Vaccines In DOH Warehouses, Health Facilities
Lee Seeks Probe Of P11-B Expired Medicines, Vaccines In DOH Warehouses, Health Facilities Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has filed a measure to investigate the P11 billion worth of expired medicines and vaccines in Department of Health (DOH) warehouses and health facilities, recently flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA). In filing House Resolution No. 2117, Lee stressed that “the expiration of these essential drugs, medicines and vaccines, which the DOH allowed to deteriorate without proper utilization or timely action, constitutes a clear dereliction of duty and a violation of their mandate.” “Kulang-kulang na nga ang mga gamot sa mga pampublikong ospital, nangangamba at hirap na hirap na nga ang milyon-milyon nating kababayan sa pagbili ng gamot, tapos may bilyon-bilyong halaga ng gamot, bakuna at iba pang medical supplies ang nag-expire lang at hindi pinakinabangan ng mga Pilipino?” “Napakalaking kasalanan nito sa taumbayan. Pera na nila ang nasayang, napagkaitan pa sila ng serbisyo para sa kanilang kalusugan,” Lee pointed out. In the recent COA report, P11.18 billion worth of drugs, medicines and medical supplies, including over 7 million vials of COVID-19 vaccines that were unused, expired in DOH warehouses and health facilities. Among the reasons cited for such wastage are inadequate procurement planning and poor distribution and monitoring systems. Further, inventories amounting to P65.44 million with a shelf life of less than one year were also found in DOH facilities, nearing wastage. “Congress should conduct an inquiry into the DOH’s procurement and logistical processes to hold the involved officials and personnel accountable, identify underlying systemic issues, and ensure that public health resources are utilized efficiently, properly accounted for, and distributed in a timely and effective manner,” Lee said. “Dapat may managot sa krimeng ito at hindi na dapat pang maulit ang napakalaking kapalpakan na ito,” he added. The Bicolano lawmaker also urged the DOH to “submit a comprehensive report to Congress detailing the status of all expired supplies, including COVID-19 vaccines, and the steps taken to address the situation.” It can be recalled that during the last House Plenary Deliberations on the DOH Budget last September, Lee inquired about the lack of medicines in public hospitals. “Mayroong bilyon-bilyong pondo para sa mga gamot pero bakit kinakailangan pang bumili ng mga kababayan natin sa labas ng ospital? Bakit kailangan pa nilang gumastos para sa gamot kahit na sa charity wards sila naka-admit? Isa pa ito sa dumaragdag sa out-of-pocket expenses nila; dagdag isipin ng may sakit; dagdag pasanin ng pamilya,” the solon earlier said. Lee then sealed the commitment from DOH to submit a detailed and comprehensive report on the availability of medicines and vaccines in public hospitals due last October 31, but the DOH failed to submit this report to Congress. With these continued inefficiencies and lapses, Lee renewed his call for the resignation of DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa as numerous fundamental health issues remain unaddressed to this day. “The Filipino people deserve a better healthcare system. Hindi natin maibibigay sa mga Pilipino ang mga dagdag at nararapat na mga benepisyong pangkalusugan kung manhid at walang pakialam ang namumuno sa DOH,” the lawmaker stressed. “Huwag nating hayaan na mabaon lang sa limot ang bilyon-bilyong halaga ng gamot at bakuna na nasayang at masasayang pa dahil sa kawalan ng direksyon at epektibong mga polisiya. Walang karapatang manatili sa pwesto ang pabigat sa taumbayan. Ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat libre na, dapat sagot na ng gobyerno!” he added. Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 10 Dec 2024 Lee Seeks Probe Of P11-B Expired Medicines, Vaccines In DOH Warehouses, Health Facilities 08 Dec 2024 Lee Urges Immediate Release Of Gov't Health Workers’ Long-Delayed Performance Based Bonuses 06 Dec 2024 Lee to DOH, PhilHealth: Prioritize Healthcare Payments of Indigent Patients, Simplify Processes Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
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 Calls for Health Secretary’s Resignation Over Unfulfilled Promises
Lee Calls for Health Secretary’s Resignation Over Unfulfilled Promises Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has called for the resignation of Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa, citing his failure to deliver on crucial healthcare commitments. Lee filed House Resolution No. 2090, formally demanding accountability for Herbosa’s unfulfilled promises made during the House deliberations on the 2025 DOH budget. Among the lapses noted was the failure to submit a comprehensive plan to lower out-of-pocket medical expenses, which was due last October 31, 2024. Herbosa also missed the implementation of a 50% across-the-board PhilHealth benefits increase, expected to take effect this November. Lee accused the DOH of undermining Congress and the Filipino people by failing to respond to follow-up letters regarding these commitments. “Sec. Herbosa has misled millions of Filipinos with empty promises. If he cannot fulfill these commitments, he must step down,” Lee declared. He also criticized the DOH for violating the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) policy on timely responses to government transactions. Lee vowed to continue pushing for leadership that prioritizes healthcare reforms, saying, “The health and well-being of Filipinos must not suffer due to ineffective leadership.” #HealthReforms #AccountabilityNow #WiseLeadership 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
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