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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2501

HOUSE BILL No.

Introduced by REP. RAMIL L. HERNANDEZ

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

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This House Bill is previously filed by Rep. Ruth Mariano-Hernandez through House Bill
No, 1719 and was approved by House Committee on Health in February 2023.

‘This proposed measure aims to fulfill and further strengthen the constitutional mandate
enshrined in Article XIII, Section 11 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which states that
"{tJhe State shall 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. xxx The State shall endeavor to
provide free medical care to paupers.” It also aligns with Article II, Section 15, declaring
that "[tJhe State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill
health consciousness among them."

The Universal Health Care (UHC) Act (Republic Act No. 11223), by automatically
enrolling all Filipinos into the National Health Insurance Program (PhilHealth),
unequivocally recognizes and prioritizes primary healthcare as the cornerstone of a
robust health system. The Act emphasizes a comprehensive set of quality and cost-
effective promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative health services
accessible to all Filipinos.

PhilHealth's existing Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (KonSulTa) program already
provides for consultations, health risk screening and assessment, and selected
laboratory and diagnostic tests, demonstrating a foundational commitment to
preventive care.

Despite these vital policy frameworks, a significant gap remains in ensuring universal,
truly free, and consistently availed annual medical check-ups for all Filipinos. The
urgent need for such a measure is underscored by compelling public health data: non-
communicable diseases (NCDs) now constitute the leading causes of morbidity
and mortality in the Philippines. Some 2024 data reveals that ischemic heart

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diseases, neoplasms (cancers), and cerebrovascular diseases (strokes) are consistently
among the top causes of death, collectively accounting for a substantial percentage of all
fatalities. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and overweight/obesity also show high
prevalence rates across the population. These conditions, often preventable or
manageable if detected early, place an immense burden on individuals, families, and
the healthcare system.

While PhilHealth Konsulta is a commendable step, this proposed legislation seeks to
institutionalize and guarantee a free, comprehensive annual medical check-up for
every Filipino, integrated seamlessly with their PhilHealth membership. By
removing financial barriers and ensuring accessibility, this legislative measure will
empower individuals to proactively monitor their health, facilitate early detection of
diseases, enable timely interventions, and ultimately reduce the incidence of severe
complications and premature deaths attributed to NCDs. This proactive approach will
not only alleviate the burden on tertiary healthcare facilities but also foster a healthier,
more productive citizenry, truly embodying the spirit of universal health care and the
constitutional right to health.

In view of tha foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

Approved,

RAMIL L\MERNANDEZ
2» Distri@t, Laguna

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2501

Introduced by REP. RAMIL L. HERNANDEZ

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

Be it enacted by the Senate and 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.”

Section 2. Declaration of Principle. - It is the policy of the State to support and
promote the right to health by enhancing programs that 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, institution, or
centers.

Section 3. Coverage. - All Philippine citizens, by virtue of their membership in the
National Health Insurance Program (PhilHealth), mandated under Republic Act No.
11223 or the Universal Health Care Act, shall be entitled to the applicable benefits
under PhilHealth.

Members shall be entitled to a free annual medical check-up that shall include blood
sugar, cholesterol tests and other screening based on age, gender, personal medical
history, family history, and lifestyle risk factors to ensure efficiency and relevance.
Laboratory and diagnostic tests shall be expanded, subject to the availability of
PhilHealth funds.

Section 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.

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

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Section 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.

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

Section 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, decrees, issuances, rules and
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with any provision of this Act are repealed or

modified accordingly.

Section 9. Effectivity Clause. - 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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