Health cmte to look into proposed free annual med check-up, lab exams in public hospitals

THE City Council committee on health and health insurance chaired by Councilor Maria Lourdes S. Gaane will review the proposed ordinance providing for free annual comprehensive medical check-ups and laboratory exams in public hospitals or laboratories in the city.

The proposed ordinance was filed by City Vice Mayor Jocelyn B. Rodriguez for all the residents of the city especially senior citizens, solo parents, and Persons with Disabilities (PWD).

Vice Mayor Rodriguez filed the proposed ordinance in relation to Section 3 of RA No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act, which provides that all Filipinos are guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable health care goods and services, and protected against financial risk.

The vice mayor proposed that the ordinance cover all residents of the city who are members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) as provided for in the Universal Health Care Law.

Under the proposed ordinance, every resident is entitled to a free annual medical check-up including blood sugar and cholesterol tests. Senior citizens, solo parents, and PWDs shall be given free laboratory and diagnostic tests.

The City Health Office in coordination with the Barangay Health Workers shall provide a systematic, efficient and effective scheduling of annual check-ups. It shall also come up with mechanisms for determining and monitoring those who receive and those who do not undergo the annual check-up for purposes of promoting health, identifying possible health risks and ensuring early diagnosis of diseases, as cited in the proposed ordinance.