Republic of the Philippines % pec EveD,,2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES parente tl 1M
Quezon City z m
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NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session Ker inves

HOUSE BILL NO. __ 2496

Introduced by: HON. DANTE S. GARCIA

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A FREE ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR FILIPINOS AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR:

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill aims to enable each Filipino to have the chance to get a free annual medical check-
up as members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). It is also in the
context of pursuing preventive medical care that every citizen deserves.

This measure hopes to preventively address the leading causes of death in the country:
heart diseases, pneumonia, cancers, tuberculosis, diabetes and other respiratory diseases.

These diseases are easily detected via physical examinations and diagnostic tests that are
part of medical check-ups.

It is important to also note that this measure is a re-filed version of House Bill 9072 that
was primarily authored by former Reps. Angelina Tan and Michael Defensor in the 18
Congress.

The immedigte fassage of this bill is hereby earnestly sought.

TE S. GARCIA
Union



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2496

Introduced by: HON. DANTE S. GARCIA

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A FREE ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR FILIPINOS AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives 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 Principle. - it is the policy of the State to support and promote the
right to health by enhancing programs which focus on preventive and curative medicine
that advance the health and well-being of Filipinos and prevent disease, disability, and
death. Pursuant thereto, Filipinos shall be entitled to an annual medical check-up that is
free of charge in any government hospital and institution.

SEC. 3. Coverage. - All Filipino Citizens, by virtue of their membership in the Philippine
Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) mandated under Republic Act No. 11223, or the
“Universal Health Care Law’, shall be entitled to the applicable benefits under the
Philippine Health Insurance Program.

Members shalll be entitled to a free annual medical check-up that shall include blood sugar
and cholesterol tests. Laboratory and diagnostic tests shall be expanded, subject to the
availability of PhilHealth funds.

SEC. 4. Schedule of Free Medical Check-Up. - To promote health, identify risks, and ensure
early diagnosis, PhilHealth shall establish a system that allows access to a free annual


medical check-up and ensure that Filipinos shall be accorded the quality health care
services that they deserve.

SEC. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be charged
against the PhilHealth funds.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations, - The Department of Health shall, in
coordination with PhilHealth, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the
proper implementation of this Act not later than ninety (90) days from its effectivity.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force
and effect.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, issuances, rules and regulations,
inconsistent with 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,