SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has intensified his call for PhilHealth to implement an Emergency Outpatient Care Package as promised by its officials during recent Senate hearings, underscoring the urgency of immediate access to essential healthcare services.
Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health warned that the worsening weather and displacement of families highlight the need for immediate action to protect public health amid ongoing environmental challenges.
“Ngayong nahihirapan ang mga kababayan natin dahil sa bagyo at baha, kailangan natin ng mabilisang solusyon para maibsan ang hirap nila. Hindi na pwedeng maghintay pa ng ilang buwan para sa pangako ng PhilHealth na magkakaroon sila ng Emergency Outpatient Care Package,” Go said, adding that this service is critical and should be implemented in accordance with existing laws.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the weather bureau, Kristine’s track remains uncertain, with a possibility of looping back, potentially leading to further heavy rainfall and severe flooding across regions already struggling with record levels of displacement and damage.
With Tropical Storm Leon also developing east of the country, the risk of severe weather looms, prompting Go’s call for an urgent Emergency Outpatient Care Package to meet immediate healthcare needs of affected Filipinos.
“We are seeing families without homes, water, or immediate medical assistance. PhilHealth has the resources. They must move quickly to make outpatient and emergency services accessible to those in need,” Go insisted.
Go pointed out that PhilHealth currently holds substantial funds that could be used to help communities affected by disasters. However, he stressed that to serve these needs, the funds must remain within the healthcare sector and be used to directly benefit Filipinos who cannot afford out-of-pocket healthcare costs, particularly those burdened by the aftermath of severe weather disturbances.
PhilHealth’s Emergency Outpatient Care Package, according to Go, should be designed to provide immediate medical services and access to essential medications. He noted that the current situation underscores the need for PhilHealth to adapt its services to address the real-time needs of communities facing crises.
Go further urged PhilHealth to utilize its resources for preventive healthcare packages to alleviate the burden on hospitals already struggling with high occupancy rates. He called for the inclusion of outpatient and emergency services, as well as increased access to preventive care, particularly for vulnerable communities who are most affected by natural disasters and lack consistent access to healthcare.
“Panahon na para palawakin ng PhilHealth ang mga serbisyo nito, hindi lang para sa mga nasa ospital kundi pati na rin sa mga nangangailangan ng preventive, emergency at outpatient care. Ang pondo para sa kalusugan ay para sa mga Pilipino, lalo na sa mga higit na nangangailangan,” Go asserted.
As the country braces for the potential return of Tropical Storm Kristine and Tropical Storm Leon developing east of the country, Go called on PhilHealth to prioritize the immediate needs of affected Filipinos by launching the much-needed Emergency Outpatient Care Package without further delay.
