CHR: Scams emphasize need for proper implementation of Universal Health Care

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday said the recent issue of ‘ghost’ dialysis claims underscored the need for the proper implementation of the Universal Health Care Law.

CHR spokesperson lawyer Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the implementing rules and regulations of the law should ensure that corrupt practices would not happen.

“The Commission on Human Rights condemns such practices that deprive others access to treatments crucial in achieving a dignified life,” De Guia said in a statement.

“This exposé also stresses the need for the proper and full implementation of the Universal Health Care Law (RA 11223), starting with making sure that its implementing rules and regulations give premium to greater transparency, better safeguards, and stronger accountability mechanisms in addressing loopholes and corrupt practices of any kind,” De Guia added.

Earlier, two former employees of WellMed Dialysis Center exposed that the treatment center continued to claim benefits from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) on behalf of its deceased clients.

READ: PhilHealth pays for ghost kidney treatments

READ: WellMed Dialysis Center denies claiming PhilHealth benefits for deceased clients

“Corruption is a human rights violation. At its core, the immoral and unlawful diversion of funds entrusted under the care of government agencies harms the people’s human right to health and social security — specifically, in the context of recent reports exposing allegations of “ghost” claims that were paid from 2016-2018 with PhilHealth funds to kidney treatments by WellMed Dialysis & Laboratory Center involving deceased patients,” De Guia said.

Preserve human life

De Guia also reminded the private healthcare sector of their responsibility to preserve human life.

“We likewise remind the private healthcare sector of their responsibility to preserve human life through the respect for human rights,” De Guia said.

“As partners of the government in achieving the Philippine health agenda, they are called to guard their own ranks against the corrupt [practices] and ensure that no one really is left behind in achieving universal health care for every Filipino,” De Guia added.

Following the issue, President Rodrigo Duterte asked PhilHealth’s high-ranking officials, including acting chief Roy Ferrer, to submit their courtesy resignations. (Editor: Eden Estopace)

READ: PhilHealth execs asked to submit courtesy resignation over dialysis mess