Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS

House Bill No, 3716

Introduced by Representative Timothy Joseph Cayton

“AN ACT PROVIDING ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR
DIALYSIS PATIENTS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES”

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Chronic Kidney Disease remains a growing public health crisis in the country.
Thousands of Filipinos rely on dialysis treatment several times a week. However, the
costs of these treatments, together with laboratory examinations, medicines, and
mobilization, place a heavy financial burden on patients and their families.

While the government programs such as PhilHealth, Malasakit Centers, and the
Department of Health (DOH)’s Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially
Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) support those indigent patients, the reality is that
these measures are not enough. Many patients quickly exhaust their benefits and
still face huge out-of-pocket expenses. This often leads to interrupted treatments,
poor health outcomes, and, tragically, deaths.

This bill seeks to subsidize the cost of dialysis sessions beyond those covered by
government interventions, assist with laboratory procedures and medicines, and even
provide incidental allowances for indigent patients.

‘The measure aims to reduce the horrible financial impact of chronic kidney disease
on Filipino families, and improve survival and quality of life for thousands of dialysis

patients nationwide.

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

Lone District, Nueva Vizcaya


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
TWENTIETH CONGRESS

House Bill No, 3716

Introduced by Representative Timothy Joseph Cayton

“AN ACT PROVIDING ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR
DIALYSIS PATIENTS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES”

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Dialysis Patients’ Assistance
Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — \t is the policy of the State to protect and
promote the right to health of the people, and to ensure that lifesaving treatments
are accessible to all, especially the poor and vulnerable.

Recognizing the high cost of dialysis treatments, this Act seeks provide
supplementary financial assistance that shall be over and above existing
programs such as PhilHealth benefits, Malasakit Centers, Department of Health
(DOH) Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP), and other government
aid.

SEC. 8. Coverage. — All Filipino citizens diagnosed with chronic kidney
disease requiring dialysis shall be covered. Priority shall be given to indigent, low-
income, and unemployed patients, as certified by DSWD or the Local Social Welfare
Office.


SEC. 4. Benefits. — The assistance provided under this Act shall be separate
from and in addition to existing benefits and programs of the government.
No provision of this Act shall be interpreted to reduce, replace, or limit the benefits
from PhilHealth, Malasakit Centers, DOH programs, PCSO, PAGCOR, LGUs, or
other agencies.

SEC. 5. Appropriation. — The amount necessary for the implementation of
this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).

SEC. 6. Implementing Agencies and Implementing Rules and Regulations,
— The Department of Health (DOH) shall be the lead implementing agency for this
Act, in coordination with the PhilHealth, Department of Social Work and
Development (DSWD). These agencies shall promulgate the necessary implementing
rules and regulations within ninety (90) days after the effectivity of this Act.

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

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. — Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation,
contrary to, or inconsistent with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed,
modified or amended accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the
completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
circulation.

Approved,