Senator Advocates Free Annual Medical Check-Ups
Senator Mark Villar is pushing for a new bill that aims to provide all Filipinos covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) with free annual medical check-ups. This includes essential laboratory tests like blood sugar and cholesterol screenings, addressing critical gaps in the healthcare system.
Recent findings from the Social Weather Stations reveal a startling 63 percent of Filipinos rated themselves as poor in late 2024 — the highest in recent years. Local leaders noted this alarming figure reflects not only economic difficulties but also limited access to basic needs such as nutritious food, decent housing, and affordable healthcare.
Addressing Poverty Through Preventive Healthcare
“It is alarming to know that millions of Filipinos are living in poverty, without access to nutritious food, decent housing, and affordable healthcare,” Villar emphasized. He highlighted the urgent need to prioritize preventive care to improve overall health outcomes.
Community members reported that offering free annual check-ups would encourage more Filipinos to seek regular medical consultations. Early detection of illnesses through these check-ups can lead to timely treatment and better health management.
Easing Financial Burdens on Families
The senator stressed that the bill aims to reduce the financial strain on families, especially those already struggling to make ends meet. “We want the matter of check-ups and laboratory tests to no longer be an added worry for our fellow citizens. We want our fellow Filipinos, especially those struggling in life, to have one less burden to carry and not hesitate when it comes to taking care of their health,” he said.
Officials reported that this initiative could significantly improve access to preventive healthcare, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent Filipinos from maintaining their health.
Building a Compassionate Healthcare System
Villar believes this legislation is a vital step toward creating a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare system. He underscored that every Filipino deserves access to preventive services to live long, healthy, and dignified lives.
If enacted, the bill could mark a milestone in enhancing public health and lowering the incidence of preventable diseases across the nation. Experts agree that preventive care is key to reducing healthcare costs and improving quality of life.
For more news and updates on free annual medical check-ups, visit Filipinokami.com.
