(Eagle News )– The Senate on Wednesday, Oct. 10, passed on third and final reading the Universal Health Care Bill that would give Filipinos access to healthcare.
The passage of the bill came after President Rodrigo Duterte told Senate President Tito Sotto in an Oct. 10 letter that there was a need for the “immediate enactment” of Senate Bill No. 1896.
Under the bill, all Filipinos will automatically have access to healthcare services even if he or she does not contribute to PhilHealth.
The coverage of PhilHealth will also be expanded to include consultations, labotarory tests and other diagnostic services.
To address the lack of doctors and medical experts in the country, graduates of health-related courses in state universities and colleges will be required to serve in public hospitals for three years. Meanne Corvera