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Lee defers DOH budget, demands plan for PhilHealth benefits increase

Lee defers DOH budget, demands comprehensive plan on PhilHealth benefits increases Congressman Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee deferred the House plenary deliberations on the proposed 2025 budget for the Department of Health (DOH) and its attached agencies, including the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), on Monday. This decision stemmed from the agency’s inaction and lack of specific plans to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for Filipinos. During the House debates, Lee expressed dissatisfaction with the DOH’s responses regarding the implementation of PhilHealth benefit increases, which he has been advocating for. As a result, he moved to defer the budget discussions multiple times, ultimately leading to the suspension of the deliberations. “It’s disheartening to see the DOH acting this way. Are the officials ignoring the pleas of Filipinos regarding inadequate healthcare services? Why can’t they provide what is necessary for the health and well-being of our citizens?” Lee lamented. He previously criticized the DOH, which leads the Benefits Committee (BenCom) responsible for PhilHealth policy directions, for its unresponsive benefits packages. “Are we just going to wait idly while we hope for an approval of our call for better and more tangible benefits from PhilHealth? Are these officials gods, sitting before us? If it takes my pleading for the people, I will do it. Have compassion for the Filipinos,” Lee stressed, questioning the urgency and inaction of the PhilHealth Benefits Committee. “Will we just be left waiting again? Is it only to be sidelined in the next budget deliberations? Since they have not provided the repeatedly requested benefit increases before these discussions, there has been no announcement of a plan or timeline to address public concerns, nor any indication of what help they need. This is a grave injustice to the people,” he remarked. “We are not just violating their rights; we are allowing them to suffer without a fight.” According to Lee, with hundreds of billions in PhilHealth funds, he felt he had “no choice” but to defer the DOH budget until the agency submits: A detailed plan with a timeline to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for hospitalization. A significant increase in the benefit package to cover diagnostic tests like PET scans, MRIs, and CT scans as part of outpatient services. A revised benefit plan approved by the PhilHealth Board, complete with an implementation timeline. Full coverage for cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and procedures for heart diseases. A 50% increase in benefits effective immediately. Inclusion of optometric services and eyeglasses in the PhilHealth benefits package by September 30. An expansion plan for PhilHealth-accredited facilities offering special medical services like breast cancer treatment. A timeline for the implementation of the Konsulta program by PhilHealth. A comprehensive report on medicines and vaccines, including the latest statements on allotment, obligation, and disbursement. The latest statement on the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), including plans and timelines for acquiring medical equipment for public hospitals. “We need a radical overhaul, not just incremental changes in our health financing. This is not about piecemeal support for healthcare,” the Bicolano lawmaker said. “As the saying goes, ‘every life is valuable,’ but why must we face the reality that to receive treatment and prolong lives, we must incur exorbitant costs? Health funds must be utilized for health!” A staunch advocate for healthcare, Lee successfully pushed for a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits that was implemented on February 14. While there is no confirmed schedule for the resumption of the plenary deliberation on the DOH budget, the House debates are set to conclude this week. “Healthcare is a serious matter. Lives are at stake here. We will stand firm until the end, as this is a fight for every Filipino. I will not back down!” Lee declared. “Illness should not cost livelihoods. Let’s work towards equitable and compassionate healthcare until medications and treatments are free for every Filipino,” he added. Healthcare Access and Equity Previous PostNext 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

Lee blasts DOH inaction on PhilHealth benefits increases

Lee blasts DOH inaction on PhilHealth benefits increases Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee lamented the lack of urgency and inaction of the Department of Health (DOH) on pressing healthcare issues such as the slow implementation of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefits increase and non-inclusion of costly diagnostic tests in the urgent care packages despite the state health insurer’s billions of available funds. Lee is set to scrutinize the proposed 2025 budget of DOH today at the House Plenary debates. He earlier called out DOH which leads the Benefits Committee (BenCom), the sub-committee responsible for the policy directions and benefits development of PhilHealth, on why its benefits packages remain unresponsive to the needs of members and beneficiaries. “Sa pagsalang ng DOH sa plenary deliberations sa Kongreso, bubusisiin natin kung bakit sa kabila ng bilyon-bilyong pondo ng PhilHealth, tingi-tingi at pinatatagal pa rin ang mga dagdag benepisyo nito, gayong napakarami pa nitong kailangang tugunan para sa kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan,” the Bicolano lawmaker said. It can be recalled that during the DOH Budget Briefing held last September 4, citing the more than P500 billion worth of investments of PhilHealth, Lee warned the health department that he will defer its budget at the plenary debates if it is still unable to address the concerns he raised regarding PhilHealth’s enormous funds. “Mula pa nung nakaraang taon nang nabisto natin ang bilyon-bilyong available funds ng PhilHealth, iginiit na natin na bukod sa pagbabayad nito sa utang sa mga ospital, ay gamitin nito ang pondo sa pagpapalawak ng mga benepisyong pangkalusugan,” the solon from Bicol said. “Hanggang ngayon, kulang na kulang pa rin ang mga naipagkakaloob nitong serbisyo para arugain ang mga Pilipino. Napakalaking kasalanan sa taumbayan ang pagtengga o paglipat ng pondo para sa kalusugan sa ibang programa na wala namang mamamatay kung hindi gawin.” “Illness shouldn’t cost livelihoods. Kung hindi naibibigay ang dapat at kayang ibigay na serbisyong pangkalusugan, marami tayong kababayan ang lumalala ang sakit at hindi nakakapaghanap-buhay, at sa kasamaang palad, namamatay,” he added. A staunch health advocate, Lee successfully led the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits which was implemented last February 14. He is currently pushing for another 50% increase in PhilHealth coverage. As early as March this year, Lee has been pushing for the inclusion of optometric services in PhilHealth urgent care packages, as well as the costly diagnostic tests such as the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) scan, among others. Lee will also propound questions today on the proposed 2025 budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA) where he will discuss issues on food security and lowering the prices of food. “Ang pera ng gobyerno, pera ng taumbayan. Wala tayong karapatan na nasa gobyerno na hindi ibigay ang dapat ibigay para maabot ang Murang Pagkain at Libreng Gamot at Pagpapagamot para sa bawat Pilipino. Laban natin itong lahat! Gawin na natin!” Lee added. Healthcare Policy Previous PostNext 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

Include MRI, PET, CT scan, and costly diagnostic tests in PhilHealth urgent care benefit packages – Lee

Wilbert Lee Pushes for Expanded PhilHealth Coverage of Diagnostic Tests News include MRI, PET, CT scan, costly diagnostic tests in PhilHealth urgent care benefit packages – Lee “Yung kayang ibigay, dapat ibigay na agad!” This was what AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee reiterated as he pushed for the inclusion of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Computed Tomography (CT) scan, and all other diagnostic tests in the urgent care packages of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). During the House Committee on Health hearing on Tuesday, Lee stressed that “napakatagal na po ng mga modernong teknolohiyang ito na ginagamit para ma-detect kung meron at kung ano nang stage ng cancer, pero hindi pa pala ito automatic na covered ng PhilHealth. Napakahalaga na may access dito ang ating mga kababayan.” Currently, the MRI, CT and PET scans are only covered by PhilHealth if these are undertaken as inpatient services. On the other hand, these are included in the Department of Health’s (DOH) Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients (MAIP) program. “Napakaraming pera ng PhilHealth. Sabi nga natin, hindi prayoridad ng PhilHealth na ilagak ang pondo sa bangko. Bilang health insurance provider, dapat gamitin, ubusin ito kung kinakailangan, sa pagpapalawak ng mga benepisyo nito, kasama na ang full coverage sa mabibigat na karamdaman at diagnostic tests. Huwag nating patagalin at ipagkait ang serbisyo, lalo na sa nangangailangan,” Lee said.  “Paano kung hindi naka-confine pero kailangang gawin ang ganitong procedure? Kailangan pang magpa-admit muna? Paano kung walang malapitan o mapagkunan ng MAIP? Di biro ang gagastusin sa mga ito. Bago pa makaipon, baka malala na ang sakit o kaya naman ay mabaon sa utang para lang maipagawa ang procedure na ito,” he added. During the May 21 House Committee on Health hearing, Lee raised a motion for the Committee to urge PhilHealth to include the said scans and diagnostic services in its benefit packages which was then approved by Chairperson Rep. Gato Ciriaco Jr.  A staunch health advocate, Lee aggressively pushed for the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits. This came after he revealed during the DOH budget hearing last September 2023 that the state health insurer had P466 billion investible funds aside from its P68.4 billion net income and P100 billion government subsidy. In his October 2023 letter addressed to PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO) Emmanuel Ledesma, Jr. and House Resolution No. 1407 filed October of last year, Lee urged the state health insurer to increase all its benefit packages by 30% since its case rate is no longer responsive to the hospitalization cost of beneficiaries, as this has not been adjusted for over a decade. The 30% increase in PhilHealth benefit packages took effect on February 14. Ledesma, on his part, acknowledged Lee’s persistence in calling for the said increase. “Kami sa PhilHealth, we will be eternally grateful to Honorable Wilbert Lee… Yung pagka-mention niya na ‘ang dami-dami niyong pera, you have to start thinking of the benefit package increases’, talagang si Honorable Lee is really the one who got the ball rolling. Siya talaga yung spark… and it was really, the way it was mentioned, the way it was highlighted, I think everyone started talking about it. Pero honestly Cong., kayo ang nag-umpisa ng lahat. Maraming, maraming, maraming salamat,” Ledesma stated during the House Committee on Health briefing last February 14. The solon from Bicol also advocated for the full coverage of dialysis, cancer treatment, heart bypass surgery, and other diagnostic tests and preventive measures, as well as the effective implementation of the “No Balance Billing” with the ultimate goal of freeing our countrymen from out-of-pocket medical expenses. “Sabi ko nga po, hindi tayo hihinto sa 30% increase lang sa mga benepisyo ng PhilHealth. The government should be proactive in providing the Filipinos what they deserve. We deserve better healthcare services, so we should demand better,” the Bicolano lawmaker said. “Bukod sa tiyak na trabaho, dagdag na kita, sapat at murang pagkain, kasama sa mga serbisyong dapat singilin mula sa gobyerno ang pagkakaloob ng de-kalidad, abot-kaya, at mapagmalasakit na serbisyong pangkalusugan. Winner Tayo Lahat kung maibibigay ito sa Pilipino, kung saan mababawasan ang pasanin at pangamba nila na lalong malubog sa utang at kahirapan dahil walang panggastos sa gamot o pagpapa-ospital,” Lee added. Healthcare Access and Equity Previous PostNext 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

Lee to health officials: Fast-track implementation of PhilHealth benefits increases

LEE TO HEALTH OFFICIALS: FAST-TRACK IMPLEMENTATION OF PHILHEALTH BENEFITS INCREASES With Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) having more than P500 billion worth of investments, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee filed House Resolution No. 2015 urging the Benefits Committee (BenCom) of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) led by the Department of Health (DOH), to immediately convene for the implementation of benefit increases and that the meeting must be livestreamed for public’s access.  The measure was filed as soon as the DOH announced the increase in the hemodialysis package rate from P4,000 per session to P6,350—a decision from the recent meeting of BenCom spearheaded by DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa.  “Nagpapasalamat tayo sa pakikinig ng DOH at PhilHealth sa panawagan nating taasan ang coverage sa mga medical treatment tulad ng hemodialysis. Ito yung sinasabi natin na kaya naman nilang gawin agad. Pero ang tanong pa rin: Bakit patingi-tingi ang dagdag?” Lee asked. “If the DOH, through the BenCom, can promptly convene and increase certain PhilHealth benefit packages, why can’t it be done with the coverage of other case rates with their enormous available funds,” he added.  In his Resolution, the Bicolano lawmaker also said that the BenCom meeting must be livestreamed for the public’s real time updates so that more Filipinos have access to the information and can stay informed about what’s transpiring in the deliberation of their entitlements and benefits in PhilHealth. Lee stressed that with the hundreds of billions of PhilHealth funds, “dapat ipatupad na sa lalong madaling panahon ang dagdag na coverage ng PhilHealth sa cancer treatment, coronary artery disease, MRI, PET scan, CT scan, maternity care, dental care, eye care, emergency care, comprehensive outpatient benefit package, iba pang klase ng mabibigat na karamdaman at sobrang mahal na mga operasyon sa ospital.” It can be recalled that during the 2025 DOH budget hearing held last September 4, Lee warned to defer the health agency’s budget if the proposed increase in PhilHealth benefits will remain unaddressed before the House Plenary debates.  “Para saan pa na Chairperson ang DOH sa Benefits Committee na ang layunin ay suriin at magmungkahi ng pagpapalawak sa mga benepisyo ng PhilHealth, kung hindi naman mapanatag ang mga Pilipino na may sasalo sa kanila kapag may nagkasakit sa pamilya?” Lee asked during his interpellation.  “Hanggang kailan nila maaatim na patagalin ang mga nararapat na pagtaas gayong maraming namamatay dahil sa kulang-kulang at mahal na serbisyong pangkalusugan? Napakarami rin nating mga kababayan ang nalilimas ang ipon at nababaon sa utang dahil sa laki ng bayarin sa ospital, at hindi maramdaman ang sinasagot ng PhilHealth,” Lee pointed out.  Lee, a staunch health advocate, successfully led the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits which was implemented last February 14. Currently, he is pushing for another 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits and if funds would suffice, an eventual decrease in members’ monthly contribution.  “Pinag-uusapan ngayon kung saan pwede i-invest o gamitin ang sobrang pondo ng PhilHealth. Hindi na dapat ito pinagtatalunan pa: Ang pondo para sa kalusugan, dapat gamitin para sa kalusugan!” Lee remarked.  “Ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat sagot ng gobyerno para mabawasan ang pangamba ng ating mga kababayan na lalong malubog sa utang at kahirapan kapag nagkasakit dahil walang pambili ng gamot o pambayad sa ospital. Laban nating lahat ito! Gawin na natin!” he added. Healthcare Policy Previous PostNext 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

Lee Calls For Another 30% Increase In PhilHealth Benefits

Amid transfer of P89.9-B PhilHealth excess funds Lee Calls For Another 30% Increase In PhilHealth Benefits Amid the transfer of the P89.9 billion excess funds of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to the national treasury, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee filed House Resolution No. 1900, urging the state health insurer to implement another round of 30% increase in all its benefit packages and coverage.   Lee’s HR 1900 seeks to determine how PhilHealth can expeditiously increase the current benefits and introduce new benefit packages such as the inclusion of vital diagnostic tests and other essential laboratory exams as outpatient services. “PhilHealth shall serve as the national healthcare provider and not as an investment powerhouse. It is mandated and obliged to utilize most of the funds to increase the program’s benefits and decrease the amount of members’ contributions,” Lee said. “It is best for the interest of the beneficiaries and contributors of the National Health Insurance Program to increase all benefit packages and coverage of PhilHealth to ultimately lower the out-of pocket costs of Filipinos for their healthcare needs,” he added.  To complement the said Resolution, Lee also wrote a letter to PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. last August 8 urging the agency to implement another 30% increase in all its benefit packages saying, “The availability of substantial funds shows that PhilHealth can expand its benefit packages and can even introduce new benefits to cover more of the actual hospitalization costs of beneficiaries.” It can be recalled that Lee, a staunch health advocate, fervently pushed for the 30% across-the-board increase in PhilHealth benefits implemented last February 14. This came after he revealed during the 2024 budget briefing of the PhilHealth last September 2023, that the agency had P466 billion investible funds and P68.4 billion net income, aside from the more than P100 billion government subsidy every year. According to the Bicolano lawmaker, the availability of the P89.9 billion excess funds makes it the best time to increase the benefits offered by PhilHealth by another 30%. “Imbes na sa PhilHealth bumawas ng pondo, kunin na lang sa mga GOCCs (Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations) na hindi related sa social services ang mandato at may iba pang excess funds mula sa kanilang investments at profit,” Lee remarked. “Napakarami pang wala sa benefit package ng PhilHealth tulad ng PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan, CT (Computed Tomography) Scan, at MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Ito po yung mga kailangang tests para malaman kung may malalang sakit, pero napakamahal ng mga ito. Kailangan man, paano ito maipapagawa kung wala o kapos sa budget? Kaya dapat unahin na ma-cover muna lahat ng PhilHealth ang mga serbisyong ito.”  “At kapag may sobra pa sa pondo ng PhilHealth pagkatapos ng mga additional benefits, pwedeng i-suspend o babaan ang contribution ng mga ordinaryong empleyado at gamitin sa pagpapaunlad ng healthcare facilities,” he added The solon from Bicol also renewed his commitment to boost information dissemination efforts to equip farmers, fisherfolk, and all Filipinos nationwide with the knowledge on their PhilHealth benefits and contributions. It can be recalled that last July 1, AGRI Party-list and PhilHealth entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration in providing more access to health services and benefits provided by the state health insurer for agricultural workers and all Filipinos. “Isa sa mga pangunahing pangamba ng mga Pilipino, bukod sa pagkain, ang kalusugan. Nandyan lagi yung takot na magkasakit dahil walang pambili ng gamot o pambayad sa ospital, baka maubos ang ipon o lalong mabaon sa utang. Kaya ang pondong dapat para sa kalusugan, gamitin sa kalusugan, para maibsan ang pangamba at pasanin ng Pilipino,” he said. “Filipinos deserve better so we should demand better health services. Kasabay ng pagsusulong ng murang pagkain, tiyak na trabaho at dagdag na kita, yung libreng pagpapagamot, yung patas at mapagmalasakit na serbisyong pangkalusugan, gawin na natin!” he added. Healthcare Policy Previous PostNext 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

Deal With The Devil: Lee Seeks House Probe On ‘Human Bopis For Sale’

‘DEAL WITH THE DEVIL’: Lee Seeks House Probe On ‘Human Bopis For Sale “Pakikipagkasundo sa demonyo!” This is how AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee described the reported illicit trade of organs where health workers such as nurses and doctors are allegedly involved. Lee, a staunch health advocate, filed House Resolution No. 1803 urging the Congress to investigate the illegal sale of kidneys and other internal organs in the country and to crack down on the said illicit practices. At the symposium on Special Health Fund (SHF) organized by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) – Negros Occidental Chapter and Association of Local Government Accountants – Province of Negros Occidental (ALGANO) held in Bacolod City today where he attended as guest speaker, Lee lamented how this “Human Bopis for Sale” scheme or the illegal practice of selling kidneys and other internal organs targets poor Filipinos and goes against existing laws, specifically the “Organ Donation Act of 1991” and “Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012”. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Philippines is recognized internationally as one of the global hotspots for organ trafficking along with countries like India, Pakistan, China, Egypt, and Colombia. In his House Resolution, Lee noted that “many kidney donors, particularly those from vulnerable communities such as slums, are often unaware of the risks and side effects of the operation.” “Sinasamantala ng mga ganitong modus ang mahihirap nating kababayan, lalo na ang mga gipit o ‘kapit sa patalim’ at desperado nang kumita para may pantustos sa pangangailangan ng pamilya,” he said. “Ang nakakabahala dito, may mga sangkot pa umanong doktor at nurse–sila na pinagkakatiwalaan ng ating mga kababayan, pero sila pa palang nagtutulak lalo sa kanila sa kumunoy ng kapahamakan,” he added. On July 17, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested three individuals in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan for being involved in an alleged organ trafficking syndicate. They implicated National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI) staff nurse Allan Ligaya as the alleged leader of the illegal organ trade, who remains at large, while three doctors were also summoned by the NBI for participating in the blood matching of donors. Reportedly, there are nine alleged victims who were lured with a payment of P200,000 in exchange for their kidneys and were held in a house and subjected to various processes before their kidneys were eventually transferred. “This may only be the tip of the iceberg. Sa pagsasaliksik ng aming opisina, naglipana na rin ang mga Facebook groups kung saan lantaran ang bentahan ng laman-loob ng tao. Halimbawa nito yung ‘kidney donor Philippines 2.0’. Isang search lang, lalabas na agad ang posts at comments na nag-aalok ng kidney—parang online pasa-buy pero laman-loob ang ibinibenta. May mga natanggap na rin tayong report na pati atay at dugo ng tao, talamak na rin ang bentahan,” Lee stated. “Kailangang agaran at seryosong imbestigahan ito, para panagutin sa lalong madaling panahon ang mga nambibiktima sa marami nating kababayan. Pwedeng sindikato ang mga sangkot dito, at kung pababayaan lang na mamayagpag ang ganitong pakikipag-transaksyon sa demonyo at mga halang ang kaluluwa, ilan pang mga kababayan natin, kabilang na ang mga bata, ang pwedeng malinlang at malagay ang buhay sa peligro?” he asked. The lawmaker further underscored the need for the government to review its policies regarding organ donation to increase its numbers which can discourage people from undertaking risky and illicit transactions. “Filipinos deserve better, and we should demand better. Hindi totoong natutulungan ang mga nangangailangan kung kikita sila kapalit ang kanilang kalusugan, o mismong ang kanilang buhay. Dapat nang tuldukan ang karumal-dumal na gawaing ito, at masampolan ang nasa likod nito,” he added. Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous PostNext 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

Agri PL-PhilHealth Partnership to Boost Info Dissemination and Access to Health Benefits for Farmers, Fisherfolk, and All Filipinos Nationwide – Lee

Agri PL-PhilHealth Partnership To Boost Info Dissemination, Access To Health Benefits For Farmers, Fisherfolk, All Filipinos Nationwide – Lee In an effort to boost information dissemination efforts on the health benefits for farmers, fisherfolk, and all Filipinos nationwide, AGRI Party-list represented by Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee entered into a partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) led by President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Emmanuel Ledesma, Jr.  In a ceremony held in Taguig City on Monday, Lee signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PhilHealth to strengthen collaboration in providing more access to health services and benefits provided by the state health insurer for agricultural workers and all Filipinos.  “As I always say, ‘Filipinos deserve better, and we should demand better.’ Patunay ang MOU na ito na hindi tayo puro salita, kundi seryoso talaga tayo sa mga ipinaglalaban natin. Today we elevate our efforts to inform our countrymen about the health services and benefits available to them,” Lee said during the program.  “The commitment outlined in our Memorandum of Understanding boosts our information dissemination efforts through various platforms, programs and projects we have. We declare our unwavering dedication to equip our farmers, fisherfolk, agricultural workforce, and every Filipino with the right knowledge about the health benefits they are entitled to,” he added.  For his part, PCEO Ledesma said: “I am pleased that PhilHealth is forging this partnership with AGRI Party-list at this opportune time as this will enable us to further strengthen our information dissemination campaign for all our members, especially those in the agriculture sector whose hardwork sustains our nation’s progress.” “The platform that will be provided by the AGRI Party-list will be one of the primary sources of information for our kababayans which will greatly help us in our efforts to circulate relevant and updated information on PhilHealth’s benefits and services through all possible avenues,” the PhilHealth Chief added.  It can be recalled that Lee, a staunch health advocate, aggressively pushed for the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits after revealing during the Department of Health (DOH) budget hearing last September 2023 that the state health insurer had P466 billion investible funds and P68.4 billion net income, aside from the more than P100 billion government subsidy every year. The 30% increase in PhilHealth benefit packages took effect on February 14. “Kaya nagpapasalamat tayo sa PhilHealth sa pangunguna ni PCEO Mandy Ledesma sa pakikinig sa ating mga panawagan o pangungulit,” Lee remarked. “Pero alam natin na hindi natatapos sa pagdaragdag ng mga health benefits ang ating trabaho. Dapat mabigyan ng  access dito ang ating mga kababayan. Dahil paano mapapakinabangan ng mga Pilipino ang mga benepisyong pangkalusugan ng ahensya kung hindi nila alam ang mga ito?” he asked. During the signing ceremony, the solon from Bicol underscored the importance of addressing the health concerns of Filipinos.  “Sa pag-iikot natin sa buong bansa, bukod sa pagkain, kalusugan po ang dinadaing sa atin ng ating mga kababayan, na nahihirapan silang makatulog sa gabi dahil sa takot o pangamba na kapag may nagkasakit sa pamilya nila, wala silang pambili ng gamot, wala silang pambayad sa ospital, hindi sila makapagtrabaho. Natatakot sila na baka tuluyang mabaon sa utang at kahirapan, at wala nang pag-asang makaahon sa hirap ng buhay,” he pointed out. “Bawat impormasyon, programa, at mga pagbabago sa serbisyo ng PhilHealth ay sisikapin nating maiparating sa bawat Pilipino at sa lahat ng dako ng Pilipinas. Walang maiiwan, dapat alam ng lahat. Dahil lahat tayo, may karapatan sa maayos at de-kalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan. Mayaman man o mahirap, may karapatang mabuhay,” he added.  The signing of MOU, for Lee, is only the beginning of a long and meaningful partnership with PhilHealth to improve the country’s healthcare sector.   “Magtulungan po tayo upang maipagkaloob sa mga Pilipino ang de-kalidad, abot-kaya, mapagmalasakit, at may pusong healthcare service para mabura ang pangamba ng mga Pilipino na lalo silang malulubog sa kahirapan kapag nagkasakit dahil walang pambili ng gamot o pambayad sa ospital. Kasabay nito ang pagsisikap natin para isulong ang tiyak na trabaho, dagdag na kita, at ang sapat at murang pagkain,” he said. “Tuloy-tuloy po ang ating bayanihan tungo sa isang malusog, maunlad at makatarungang lipunan kung saan Winner Tayo Lahat!” the solon added. Public Health Initiatives Previous PostNext 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