House panel OKs bill giving free dialysis for senior citizens

The House Special Committee on Senior Citizens on Thursday approved the measure seeking to provide free hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and other similar procedures to all senior citizens.

During its meeting, the panel approved House Bill 7859, or the proposed "Free Dialysis for Senior Citizens Act," authored by its chairperson, Senior Citizens party-list Representative Rodolfo Ordanes.

Under the measure, the cost of the needed hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and other Department of Health-approved dialysis procedures will be reimbursed by PhilHealth provided that such treatment is availed at PhilHealth accredited hospitals and freestanding dialysis centers.

However, only those procedures that use the dialysis solutions included in the latest edition of the Philippine National Drug Formulary will be reimbursed, and only laboratory procedures and necessary supplies will be covered.

In filing the measure, Ordanes stressed the need to ensure the health and welfare of senior citizens.

"It is only by providing them a higher degree of care and protection can we ensure that we stray true to our mandate of upholding social justice and their right to life," he said.

"In view of this, the passage of the bill is sought," he added.

Following its approval in the committee level, the measure may soon be sent to the plenary for its own deliberation and consideration. —LBG, GMA News