MANILA -- The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday commended the bicameral conference committee’s approval of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Bill that seeks to provide affordable health care for all Filipinos.
The bicameral committee is composed of lawmakers from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, which acts as the final arbitrator for opposing provisions of a proposed law.
“The Bicameral Conference Committee approval of the Universal Health Care Bill is continued positive news for all Filipinos. I applaud this progress and commend all members of the Senate and Congress involved for getting this done. The UHC will bring the much-needed reform of our health care system and provide every Filipino a quality and affordable health care each one deserves,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said in a statement.
The UHC bill, when enacted to law, will catalyze reforms for the health care system in the Philippines, particularly strengthening primary care services, through the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).
President Rodrigo Duterte also signified his support during his 3rd State of the Nation Address by ensuring adequate funding through the DOH annual budget, revenues from sin taxes, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (50 percent of the national government's share), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (40 percent of the fund, net of documentary stamp tax payments and mandatory contributions) and PhilHealth members' contributions.
The bill's reconciled version came following the approved Senate Bill No. 1896 and House Bill No. 5784.
Both the upper and lower houses now have to ratify the reconciled version of the bill before it can be signed into law by the President. (PR)
