City asks solons for bill on PhilHealth for PWDs

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council has requested lawmakers representing the city to pass a bill for the mandatory PhilHealth coverage of indigent persons with disabilities.

In an approved resolution, City Councilor Alvin Dizon said that he hopes Representatives Raul del Mar (north district) and Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa (south district) would act on the request since it would help PWDs avail of free health services.

“PhilHealth coverage for persons with disabilities will enhance health services and programs for those with multiple, extensive, and diverse disabilities, helping them live independently and productively in the community,” the resolution read.

Dizon said that the health benefits for PWDs should be automatic and mandatory, saying that it is akin to Republic Act No. 10645 or the “Act providing for the Mandatory Philhealth coverage for all senior citizens.”

“Naa naman tay national law para sa senior citizens, so might as well atong hatagan pod og free access atong pwds kay dili enough atong ihatag nga financial assistance nila every year,” Dizon said.

This year, at least 17,000 PWDs are registered in Cebu City and will be availing of the P5,000 financial assistance from the city government.

Dizon cited in his resolution a declared policy that “the state shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost. There shall be priority for the needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women, and children. The State shall endeavor to provide free medical care to paupers.”

With this, Dizon said that the government is mandated to guarantee the fundamental right to health of the PWDs.

“These people should enjoy the highest attainable standard of health services without discrimination on the basis of their disability and impairment, and that the government shall take appropriate measures to ensure access for persons with disabilities to health care services that are gender sensitive, comprehensive, preventive, and rehabilitative.” —  /ATO (FREEMAN)