Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. _____
___________________________________________________________
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE BERNADETTE HERRERA
___________________________________________________________
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR FREE ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR FILIPINOS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that the State shall protect and
promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among
them. Moreover, it is also the duty of the State to adopt an integrated and
comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make
essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people at
affordable cost.
Furthermore, the Philippines, as a state party to the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, recognizes the Right to Health as a fundamental human right.
The already staggering rate of unhealthy Filipinos was further highlighted
during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the thousands of COVID-19 deaths were
those with various pre-existing conditions and comorbidities, which only served to
complicate treatment. It was further made evident that many of these conditions
and comorbidities, such as coronary heart diseases or diabetes, could have been
adequately addressed if these were screened early.
During pre-pandemic times, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) already
noted that among the top ten leading causes of death from 2015-2019 include heart
diseases, pneumonia, diabetes, and hypertensive diseases.
Today, as our countrymen have a deeper sense of taking care of one’s health,
a measure that provides free annual check-ups would serve as a significant help to
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the population, especially the impoverished, and would complement greatly the
already legislated Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act.
This bill, counterpart to that filed by Senator Sonny Angara in the Senate,
serves as providing the means for the population to have their medical check-ups for
no additional financial costs, thereby enhancing the early detection and treatment of
preventive health risks. Through this measure, Filipinos – who are automatically
members of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) of the Philippine Health
Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) by virtue of R.A. No. 11223 – would be able to
access
free
annual
medical
check-ups
which
shall
include
blood
sugar
and
cholesterol tests. This program, which shall be created and managed by PhilHealth,
will not only help Filipinos assess their well-being and address their most immediate
health concerns but also hopefully address the growing cost of healthcare in the
country.
In view of the foregoing reasons, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
BERNADETTE “BH” HERRERA
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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. _____
___________________________________________________________
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE BERNADETTE HERRERA
___________________________________________________________
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR FREE ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR FILIPINOS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representative of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Free Annual
Medical Check-Up Act”
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State recognizes its duty to protect
and
promote the right to health of the people. Pursuant to its duty, the State shall
provide the services needed to ensure the health and wellness of every Filipino.
Aside from enhancing programs that focus on curative medicine, there should be
emphasis on improving the country’s health care system in terms of preventive
interventions and strengthening the health-seeking behavior of citizens. In line with
this, Filipinos shall be entitled to an annual medical check-up, through the programs
of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), that is free of charge in
any government hospital and institution.
SEC. 3. Coverage. –
A. Population Coverage. – Every Filipino citizen shall be covered by the
free annual medical check-up under this Act pursuant to Sec. 5 of R.A.
No. 11223 or the “Universal Health Care Act.
B. Medical Check-Up Coverage. – PhilHealth, in consultation with the
Department of Health (DOH), shall establish a program to provide
Filipinos with free annual medical check-up including, but not limited
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to, blood sugar and cholesterol tests: Provided, That, prior to the
availment of laboratory and/or diagnostic exams, the patient must first
be screened by a PhilHealth-accredited primary care provider as stated
under Sec. 6(d) of R.A. 11223 in order to evaluate the patient and
identify
which
laboratory
and/or
diagnostic
exams
should
be
administered: Provided, further, That the availment of the laboratory
and/or diagnostic exams shall be through PhilHealth-accredited health
care institutions (HCIs): Provided, furthermore, That, upon approval of
the PhilHealth Board, the laboratory and/or diagnostic exam shall be
expanded subject to the availability of PhilHealth funds and the current
and emerging health necessities of Filipinos.
SEC. 4. Schedule of Free Medical Check-Up. – The duration of availing
the
free medical check-up shall be for the whole calendar year. PhilHealth shall establish
a system to secure that every Filipino will be accommodated and get the services
that
they are entitled to.
SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – PhilHealth shall be
primarily responsible in implementing the provisions of this Act. PhilHealth, in
consultation with DOH, shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and
regulations within thirty (30) days upon effectivity of this Act.
SEC. 6. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to implement this Act
shall
be
charged
against
the
total
revenue
of
PhilHealth,
composed
of premium
contributions from direct contributors and premium subsidies of the government for
the indirect contributors, of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter.
SEC. 7. Separability Clause. – If any provision or part of this Act is
declared
invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to
be in full force and effect.
SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. – All other laws, decrees, orders, other
issuances,
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rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 9. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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