Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee’s Push for Free Optometric Services to Benefit 40M Filipinos
Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee’s Push for Free Optometric Services to Benefit 40M Filipinos Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee celebrated a breakthrough in healthcare accessibility as PhilHealth prepares to roll out free prescription glasses and optometric services in November. This initiative fulfills Lee’s commitment to securing essential health benefits for Filipinos, especially those unable to afford eye care. IPAO President Dr. John Nakpil noted that Lee’s efforts, along with DOH and PhilHealth’s support, led to the formation of a technical working group to create implementation guidelines for these benefits. The Bicolano lawmaker underscored the profound impact of this change, which promises a brighter future for millions. “Magbibigay liwanag ito hindi lang sa paningin, kundi pati na sa pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay,” he remarked, recognizing that good vision contributes to productivity and quality of life. Lee has consistently advocated for greater healthcare accessibility, with optometric services forming a crucial part of his broader vision for Universal Health Care. Additional services included in Lee’s health advocacy package with DOH and PhilHealth are free diagnostic tests such as MRI, CT, and PET scans by December 2024, along with 80% coverage for cancer treatments. “Patuloy po nating bantayan ang pagtupad ng DOH at PhilHealth sa mga ipinangako nilang serbisyong pangkalusugan,” Lee stated, vowing to ensure these commitments are fulfilled for the betterment of all Filipinos. #VisionCarePH #WilbertLeeForHealth #HealthcareAccessibility #AGRIForThePeople 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
Free Prescription Glasses, Optometric Services Lee Fought For To Benefit Millions Of Filipinos
Free Prescription Glasses, Optometric Services Lee Fought For To Benefit Millions Of Filipinos Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee who has been fighting for free optometric services and free eyeglasses since early this year, welcomed the inclusion of said services in PhilHealth benefit packages starting this November as announced by the state health insurer. Free optometric services and prescription glasses are among the health commitments secured by Lee and signed by Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa and PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. before the approval of the DOH budget last September 25, 2024 at the House of Representatives. “This is long overdue. Masaya po tayong nalalapit na ang katuparan nito kung saan mahigit 40 milyong Pilipino ang makikinabang, mula bata hanggang sa ating mga senior citizens,” said Lee who is now in Bicol leading the relief operations for fellow Bicolanos who were heavily affected by the onslaught of severe tropical storm Kristine. The lawmaker is also distributing relief goods in other parts of the country affected by the calamity. “Malaking tulong ito lalo na sa mahihirap nating kababayan na tinitiis na lang ang malabong paningin o lumalala ang problema sa mata hanggang mabulag dahil walang pera para magpacheck-up at magpagawa ng salamin,” he added. The said pronouncement from the PhilHealth complies with the deadline that Lee set in the commitment letter to cover pediatrics and adult prescription glasses not later than November 30, 2024. Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists (IPAO) President Dr. John Nakpil said that the commitment of the DOH and PhilHealth spearheaded by Lee led to the creation of a technical working group (TWG) to develop the guidelines for the implementation of free prescription glasses and optometric services. It can be recalled that as early as March 5, 2024, Lee filed House Resolution (HR) No. 1623 urging PhilHealth to include optometric services in its benefit package. According to IPAO Chairman Dr. Charlie Ho, Lee’s HR 1623 “paved the way and advocated for Filipinos’ right to comprehensive optometric services and free prescription eyeglasses to improve productivity and reduce the financial burden of Filipinos.” A staunch health advocate, Lee described the move as a significant step towards achieving broader healthcare access as part of the Universal Health Care Law, particularly for Filipinos struggling with vision problems. “Malaking tulong ito sa productivity ng ating mga kababayan. Magbibigay liwanag ito hindi lang sa paningin, kundi pati na sa pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay at kinabukasan ng milyon-milyon nating kababayan,” he said. Other health services included in the commitments from DOH and PhilHealth, among others, are: Free diagnostic tests such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, Computed Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as part of outpatient services not later than December 31, 2024; At least 80% coverage for cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and procedures for heart diseases not later than December 31, 2024; 50% across-the-board PhilHealth benefit increases effective November 2024; “Patuloy po nating bantayan ang pagtupad ng DOH at PhilHealth sa mga ipinangako nilang serbisyong pangkalusugan na kailangang-kailangan at matagal nang inaasam ng ating mga kababayan. Huwag natin itong tantanan. Laban natin itong lahat!” Lee stated. 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