By Nimfa Estrellado Rep. Keith Micah "Atty. Mike" D.L. Tan (Photo from Atorni Mike/FB) LUCENA CITY, Quezon — The House of Repr...
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| Rep. Keith Micah "Atty. Mike" D.L. Tan (Photo from Atorni Mike/FB) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon — The House of Representatives is taking action to address the country's healthcare worker shortage and provide financial relief to cancer patients, as lawmakers grapple with the challenges of implementing universal healthcare.
During a July 30, 2024 hearing, the House Committee on Health, led by Quezon 4th District Rep. Keith Micah "Atty. Mike" D.L. Tan, delved into the implementation of the National Human Resources for Health Master Plan 2020-2040. Rep. Tan, a vocal advocate for improved working conditions and compensation for healthcare workers, initiated the hearing to address the persistent shortage of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals in the country.
"We must address the immediate concerns of our healthcare workers, such as providing adequate wages and ensuring a safe working environment," Tan said. "This is crucial for the successful implementation of universal healthcare."
Experts testifying before the committee emphasized the importance of offering competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain healthcare workers. They also called for investments in training and education to expand the pool of qualified professionals.
A subcommittee led by Tan was established by the committee in response to these worries in order to supervise the master plan's implementation and create legislation aimed at enhancing the welfare of healthcare workers.
Meanwhile, Tan is also championing a bill that would establish a Cancer Assistance Fund, providing financial aid to cancer patients for diagnosis, treatment, and other medical expenses. The bill proposes a yearly allocation of 1 billion pesos ($18 million) to the fund, which would be used to subsidize the cost of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other expensive treatments.
"Cancer is a leading cause of death in the Philippines, and the high cost of treatment is a major barrier for many patients," Tan said. "This fund would provide much-needed relief to those battling this devastating disease."
The bill has garnered support from healthcare advocates and cancer survivors, who say it would make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of Filipinos.
The proposed legislation comes as the Philippines grapples with the implementation of its Universal Health Care Act, which aims to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all citizens. The law, passed in 2019, has been hailed as a landmark achievement, but its implementation has been hampered by a lack of funding and infrastructure, as well as a shortage of healthcare workers.
The initiatives by Tan and his colleagues represent a significant step towards addressing these challenges and ensuring that all Filipinos have access to quality healthcare.
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