Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has called on the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth to fast-track the implementation of expanded health benefits for Filipinos, warning that continued delays in utilizing available funds are perpetuating a broken healthcare system. Lee emphasized that the recent benefit increases approved by PhilHealth’s Board of Directors are insufficient to meet the urgent needs of the population.
“The funds are there, but the action is missing,” Lee said. “We cannot allow healthcare funds to remain unused while millions of Filipinos forego treatment due to high costs. The government owes it to the people to deliver timely and effective health services.”
Lee highlighted his achievements in securing benefit increases, including a 30% hike in PhilHealth case rates and expanded coverage for hemodialysis and breast cancer treatment. Despite these successes, he stressed that more needs to be done to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for Filipinos.
The solon also called attention to systemic inefficiencies within the DOH, including the failure to submit a comprehensive plan to Congress for lowering hospital costs. He warned that the lack of leadership and accountability is undermining the Universal Health Care Law. “Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. The government must ensure that no Filipino is left behind,” Lee concluded.
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