BuCor, DOH sign policy on 24/7 healthcare access for PDLs

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said that it released 632 persons deprived of liberty in January. (Photo from BuCor)

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday signed the policy on 24/7 healthcare access for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

According to BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr., the National Policy on Promotion and Protection of Health in Jails, Prisons, Custodial Facilities, and Other Places of Detention would lead to “better health outcomes with the automatic inclusion of PDLs in the National Health Insurance Program.”

“I see to it that the provision of appropriate and continued healthcare services were given to them the same way with that of the free community,” he said.

“They (PDLs) shall be granted immediate eligibility to PhilHealth packages pursuant to Republic Act No. 11223, otherwise known as Universal Health Care Act,” he added.

He also noted that PDLs’ right to health is enshrined in the 1987 Constitution, which also mandates the government to provide more inclusive healthcare services.

Under the new policy, the BuCor, DOH, and other concerned agencies are expected to allot funds and resources and craft measures that will ensure the good health of PDLs.

READ: BuCor: 41 inmates to get free cataract consultation, surgery

The BuCor will also provide other services, including vaccinations, mental health seminars, HIV-related programs, feeding programs for old PDLs, and breast cancer examinations for female PDLs. Moss R. Laygo, INQUIRER.net trainee