Drilon thumbs down PhilHealth’s proposal to delay full implementation of UHC: A huge misstep

By JOHN CARLO M. CAHINHINAN

Senate Minority Floor Leader Franklin Drilon has turned the proposal by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to delay the full implementation of the Universal Health Care Act of 2019.

Drilon said the full implementation of UHC “is critical” in the fight against the global coronavirus pandemic, adding that postponing it will only affect the government’s ability to win its battle against the deadly disease.

“To halt the implementation of a law that would promote access to affordable care, strengthen our primary health care and make our people healthy to fight the virus is a step in the wrong direction,” said Drilon.

According to Drilon, there is a need for PhilHealth to address its precarious position for it to be able to sustain its funding but “it should not be at the expense of the people who are relying on UHC for their health needs.”

Drilon stressed the COVID-19 pandemic” reveals the weaknesses and inequity in the current healthcare system,” which the UHC seeks to address.

“Postponing the full implementation of the Universal Health Care Act is a huge misstep while other countries are working on ways to strengthen primary health care to prevent the spread of the virus, we would hear plans to postpone access to affordable care,” he said.

He noted that neighboring countries like South Korea and Singapore are faring better in the war against COVID-19 “because of their effective universal healthcare coverage.”

“If COVID-19 taught us one thing, it is that we need to keep people healthy and we have to prepare for the next pandemic. UHC is the key,” he added.

Drilon has expressed concern that delaying the full implementation of UHC “could discourage” poor people from seeking hospital treatments or primary health care even if they experience COVID-19 symptoms.

Drilon authored the Sin Tax Reform Law from which is the primary source of funding for the UHC.

Aside from excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco products and sweetened beverages, the implementation of UHC is sourced from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, premium contribution of members, annual appropriation of DOH under the General Appropriations Act, and National Government subsidy to PhilHealth.

Drilon called on the Department of Budget and Management to increase funding for the health sector in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2021.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)