Free medical benefits bill for indigent Pinays filed
MEDICAL and hospitalization expenses of indigent Filipino women will be soon covered by the government if Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas City Representative Camille Villar’s measure is passed into law.
Villar has House Bill (HB) No. 5243 seeking hospital benefits for women suffering from “women’s diseases” such as cancer of the reproductive organ, cancer of the breast, and pregnancy-related illnesses, as well as injuries or illnesses because of violence inflicted on them.
“Granting free medical treatment and hospitalization benefits to indigent women is in consonance with the Constitutional provisions that recognize the need for such facilities and opportunities that will enhance their welfare and enable them to realize their full potential,” said Villar in the bill.
A special ward in provincial and district hospitals “which are capable of providing major clinical services” would be dedicated to them.
In order to avail of the benefits provided under the proposal, an indigent woman needs to secure a certification from the social welfare department that she is indigent and suffering from such a disease.
Indigent patients shall also include the employed and those whose monthly income does not exceed P5,000.
“Women’s health and welfare are of paramount importance considering that women constitute half of the country’s population and women’s health and well-being affect the health of the next generation,” the lone district representative pointed out.
Once approved into law, the Health and Social Welfare department has 60 days to release its implementing rules and regulations.
