BONG GO URGES FLOOD-AFFECTED FILIPINOS TO PRIORITIZE HEALTH AND AVAIL OF IMPROVEMENTS IN PHILHEALTH PACKAGES

In light of recent flooding that has displaced thousands across the Philippines, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reminded Filipinos who may have suffered injury or illness due to the floods that they should not hesitate to seek medical care if needed.

Stressing the improvements in PhilHealth packages announced by its officials, Go said that expanded support must be made available for those impacted by the crisis.

“Sa mga kababayan natin na nagkasakit o nasaktan dahil sa mga pagbaha, huwag kayong matakot magpunta sa ospital. May mga PhilHealth packages na makakatulong sa inyo,” Go emphasized during a recent visit to a community that had been severely affected by the floods.

The senator acknowledged that changes in PhilHealth, spurred by his relentless efforts through the Senate Committee on Health which he chairs, must result to healthcare being more accessible to vulnerable Filipinos. These enhancements, which Go has long advocated for, come as a relief to many who had previously struggled to afford hospital care.

“Bunga ng ating pangungulit, kahit papaano ay umayos na ang ilang PhilHealth packages. Ito ay para masigurong ang mga kababayan nating nangangailangan ng tulong ay may matatakbuhan,” he added, underscoring that healthcare should not be a source of anxiety for those affected by natural disasters.

The recent floods, exacerbated by Tropical Storm Kristine, have ravaged parts of the country, leaving over 80 dead, 66 injured, 34 missing, and countless families displaced, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as of October 26.

Though the storm moved out of the Philippine area of responsibility on October 25, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has cautioned that Kristine might return by October 28. The storm’s trajectory could see it circling back toward the Philippines, potentially posing further challenges to communities already reeling from its impact.

As the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go has been proactive in pushing for reforms to make PhilHealth more responsive to the needs of the public, particularly those hit hard by natural disasters. In recent months, he has urged PhilHealth to remove restrictive policies, such as the Single Period of Confinement (SPC) rule and the 24-hour confinement policy.

These policy changes have been a positive development for those relying on PhilHealth, ensuring greater flexibility and coverage in times of crisis.

Go has also advocated for the lowering of premium contributions by direct members, increased case rates, and expansion of benefit packages particularly for diseases with high mortality rates such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. Additionally, he called for the inclusion of outpatient services, mental health coverage, visual and dental care, as well as the provision of assistive devices and emergency medical treatments.

“Ang pera ng PhilHealth ay para sa Health! Dapat gamitin ito upang proteksyunan ang buhay at kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino,” Go emphasized.