PRESS STATEMENT April 14, 2023 - By Mike G. Jamisola
The country’s elderly population has all the reasons to rejoice and be thankful these days following the release of nearly P43 billion to cover the health insurance of 8.5 million senior citizens nationwide. Equally grateful and elated, the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) thanked and praised the present administration for its wisdom and genuine care for the general welfare of the country’s senior citizens.
NCSC Chairman Franklin Quijano said Pres. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. has just provided a timely “shot in the arm” for the country’s ageing population, who still wishes to contribute and share their talents, experiences and skills to the society. Quijano added that with the ecstatic developments, the primary health care system of the country can now move forward in the right direction and not only the senior citizens would benefit from this positive move but their family members as well.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said on Tuesday, through its chief Amenah Pangandaman that it has approved the release of P42,931,355,000 for the health insurance premiums, which is expected to benefit over 8.5 million enrolled senior citizens. Pangandaman, in a press statement said that “from the start, the directive of President Bongbong Marcos has been very clear that this government must ensure that our senior citizens have the support and resources they need to thrive.”
With these developments, the NCSC now wants to push harder in collaborating with PhilHealth, the Department of Health and other concerned government agencies to ensure that the seniors’ health programs are implemented to the max in accordance with Pres. Bongbong Marcos’ plans and vision. Quijano said they will make sure the elderly avail of free annual physical, mental, aural, dental, and other medical exams are in partnership with the said concerned stakeholders, adding that the subject will be a top agenda in the next National Advisory Body (NAB) convention, which the NCSC has organized.
According to DBM, a total of P79 billion is allocated to cover the payment of health insurance premiums of indirect contributors, including seniors, under the 2023 national budget. The agency said funds necessary to ensure the enrollment of all senior citizens not currently covered by any existing category shall be sourced from the National Health Insurance Program (NHI) from proceeds of Republic Act No. 10351 or the Sin Tax Law.
Caption Photo: President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos