Lee Champions Medicine Bank to Address Public Hospital Shortages
Lee Champions Medicine Bank to Address Public Hospital Shortages “Ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat libre, dapat sagot na ng gobyerno,” declared Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee as he proposed the establishment of a National Medicine Bank under House Bill No. 11082. The initiative seeks to collect donated pharmaceuticals and ensure their distribution to areas where they are most needed. Lee’s proposal addresses long-standing issues in public healthcare, including the frequent lack of medicine in government hospitals despite billions in allocated funds. “Many Filipinos are forced to endure illnesses or ration their medication because they simply cannot afford the costs or access the medicine they need,” Lee said. The Medicine Bank would work under the Department of Health (DOH), ensuring proper inventory and responsible management of donations. Lee hopes this will alleviate the financial and logistical burden on vulnerable sectors, particularly those in remote areas. As a staunch advocate for universal healthcare, Lee sees this measure as part of a broader effort to improve health services for Filipinos. “This is about fulfilling the government’s obligation to its people—no Filipino should suffer due to lack of access to life-saving medicines,” he said. #MedicineBankPH #UniversalHealthCare #WiseLeadership Healthcare Access and Equity 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 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 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 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
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