Free hospitalization and medicines for poor Filipinos in 2017

According to a news published by Manila Bulletin, Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial has made the announcement of the free medicine and hospitalization for the less fortunate, unemployed, and elderly people by 2017

By 2017, less fortunate Filipinos and the elderly will get to avail free medicines and hospitalization. Image from Philippine Star.

She made the announcement during a visit to the Integrated Provincial Hospital Office in Maguindanao where she launched the hospital’s first CT scan machine.

Ubial added that their department will procure commonly used medicines for distribution to hospitals under the government’s Medicine’s Access Program, so there’s no need to buy in government agencies.

According to her, President Rodrigo Duterte also set aside P5 billion for the medical expenses of the indigents without Philhealth membership, and that the Department of Health has a good financial standing that will enable government to subsidize its services.

In a GMA news report, it has been said that this is the first time in DOH history, and that President Duterte has exerted all effort and has expected results/changes the next day.

Sources: Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin