House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Photo from the House of Representatives)
MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Martin Romualdez on Sunday urged the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to expand its breast cancer benefit coverage to include early detection of the disease.
The head of the 300-member House of Representatives lauded the increase from P100,000 to P1.4 million of PhilHealth’s “Z benefit package” for breast cancer, describing it as a “significant stride toward advancing health care.”
“The decision of PhilHealth to increase the benefit package for breast cancer patients is a commendable move as it will undoubtedly alleviate the financial burden faced by patients and their families during their battle against this life-threatening disease,” Romualdez said.
“While increasing the benefit package for breast cancer patients is a commendable step, we must not overlook the importance of early detection in saving lives,” he said.
Early detection crucial
He added, “Expanding other benefits and services, particularly in early cancer detection for timely interventions, is essential to ultimately enhance accessibility to cancer care and for addressing other diseases.”
“I encourage PhilHealth to consider expanding the package to cover the cost of cancer screenings, enabling early detection and intervention,” he said, noting that breast cancer was the most common cancer among Filipino women, with a rising incidence rate in recent years.
READ: Romualdez hails PhilHealth’s expanded coverage for breast cancer
Romualdez emphasized the need for comprehensive support, including financial aid and quality health services, to effectively fight the disease.
“Breast cancer affects not only the physical health but also the emotional and financial well-being of patients. We must ensure that our healthcare system is equipped to provide comprehensive support to those affected,” he said.
Romualdez directed last month the House Committee on Health to thoroughly review the PhilHealth charter to possibly expand patients’ benefits, particularly in early cancer detection and in covering at least 50 percent of costs for patients in private hospital wards.
The Speaker also stressed the need for PhilHealth to function as a health maintenance organization by redirecting resources to safeguarding public health instead of investing in commercial banks and bonds.