House OKs on final reading bill seeking to provide free medical check-ups

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading the measure seeking to provide free annual medical check-ups for Filipinos.

With 245-0 votes, the chamber approved House Bill 9072 or the proposed Free Annual Medical Check-up Act.

The said measure aims to promote the right to health of every Filipino citizen by providing free annual medical check-ups in any government hospital and institution.

The check-ups will include blood sugar and cholesterol tests, and such laboratory and diagnostic tests which may be expanded subject to the availability of PhilHealth funds.

The measure covers all Filipinos, by virtue of their membership in PhilHealth, mandated under Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Law.

Under the bill, PhilHealth is mandated to establish a system that allows access to a free annual medical check-up and ensure that Filipinos would be accorded the quality healthcare services. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News