Universal Health Care Act to transform health-seeking behavior of Pinoys — JV Ejercito

The passage of the Universal Health Care Act, which ensures access to cheap medical products and services, will change the view of Filipinos towards addressing their health issues.

"The Universal Health Care law will transform the health seeking behavior of Filipinos. UHC makes medical consultation and several basic laboratory tests affordable and accessible. This will allow the people to value their health more by regularly consulting with doctors," Ejercito said in a statement.

"'Bawal magkasakit dahil magastos magkasakit' shall be a thing of the past. Under the UHC law, all Filipinos become automatic members of PhilHealth and are covered by the National Health Insurance Program of the government," he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the measure into law on Wednesday.

Aside from automatically enrolling all Filipino citizens to the National Health Insurance Program, the law also mandates the expansion of PhilHealth coverage to include free consultation, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic services.

It has a funding requirement of P257 billion but was given an appropriation of only P217 billion in the proposed 2019 budget. — BAP, GMA News