Express lanes, benefits sought for cancer patients, seniors

BARANGAY health workers were directed to undergo training on breast examination and advocacy for early detection of breast cancer.

The City Council approved this resolution filed by Councilors Nestor Archival and Lea Japson to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

The City Health Office was also asked to coordinate with the Task Force Cancer to require all private and government hospitals and diagnostic clinics to install express lanes for cancer patients.

City Ordinance 2162 created the Task Force for the Protection and Welfare of Persons with Cancer.

The ordinance aims to protect and promote public health by engaging the community in advocating for a healthy lifestyle.

The task force is mandated to install a system for fast/express lanes or “pink lanes” for persons with cancer in all hospitals, diagnostic clinics and other establishments.

Commercial establishments in Cebu City are also being monitored for their compliance of Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Seniors Citizens Act of 2010.

“In our meetings with the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), we’ve heard reports that some stores, restaurants and pharmacies don’t give discounts to senior citizens,” City Councilor Gerardo Carillo said.

Under the law, senior citizens are entitled to a 20 percent discount and exemption from value-added tax (VAT) charged by establishments provided it is for exclusive use and enjoyment of the senior citizen.

Complaints can be raised to the OSCA.

“We can file cases against (these commercial establishments) in violation of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act,” Carillo said. The Cebu City Council last week approved Carillo’s resolution to “remind all owners of business establishments in Cebu City to comply with their obligation in giving a 20 percent discount to senior citizens.”

A monitoring system will be set up in every senior citizens council in every barangay, Carillo said. Correspondent Jose Santino S. Bunachita