MANILA, Philippines – Naghain ng panukala ang isang mambabatas mula Mindanao na mag-oobliga sa Department of Health (DOH) na maglaan ng P10 million kada legislative district mula sa annual budget nito para sa cash-strapped soldiers at iba pang uniformed personnel, kabilang ang kanilang mga dependents, na nangangailangan ng medical assistance.
Sa ilalim ng Zamboanga City Rep. Khymer Adan Olaso’s House Bill (HB) No. 11216 o Military and Uniformed Personnel Medical Assistance Act, ang pera ay kukunin mula sa Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients o MAIFIP (previously MAIP) program ng DOH.
“Military and uniformed personnel, both active and retired, often face significant financial challenges in accessing necessary medical care. These challenges are compounded for those who are indigent or whose incomes are insufficient to cover medical expenses,” ani Olaso.
Bagamat mayroong mga programa na layong magbigay ng medical assistance sa indigent patients, mayroon namang pangangailangan na siguruhin ang “dedicated allocation is available for the military and uniformed personnel sector.”
“By directing the DOH to allocate these funds, the bill ensures equitable and consistent access to medical support across all legislative districts,” sinabi ni Olaso.
Sa datos ng Philippine Statistics Authority noong 2021 ay nakita na mayroong 253 legislative districts sa bansa.
Idinagdag pa ng mambabatas na ang P10 milyon sa ilalim ng MAIFIP per district ay magbibigay ng kinakailangang tulong sa oras ng ‘medical hardship’ ng uniformed personnel na naglingkod sa security, disaster response at public safety ng bansa.
“By easing their financial burdens related to health care, this [bill] upholds the State’s commitment to promoting the welfare and dignity of its defenders and their families,” aniya.
Kabilang sa mga benepisyaryo ng HB 11216 ang “active and retired military and uniformed personnel who are indigent or financially incapacitated, as well as their immediate dependents.”
Inaatasan din nito ang DOH na makipagtulungan sa Department of National Defense, Philippine National Police at iba pang ahensya ng pamahalaan sa implementing guidelines. RNT/JGC
