Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._ 4125

Introduced by REPS. NERI JAVIER COLMENARES and TEDDY A. CASINO

AN ACT
GRANTING FIFTY PERCENT (50%) DISCOUNT TO
CHILDREN SIX (6) YEARS OLD AND BELOW ON ALL MEDICAL SERVICES
IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS,

EXPLANATORY NOTE,

The Philippines ranks 86” among 190 countries with the highest mortality rate for children
below five years old. According to the 2008 United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund
(UNICEF), an average of 32 Filipino children (per 1,000 livebirths) die before they reach the
age of five. Said data almost estimates the 2008 National Demographic and Health Survey
(NDHS) of 34 Filipino children (per 1,000 livebirths) who die before reaching the age of five
years. Throughout the world, more than 27,000 children under the age of five die everyday
mostly from preventable causes.

Available data from the Department of Health reveal that infections diseases still account for
more than half of the 10 leading causes of child mortality across three different age groups (1
to 4 years, 5 to 9 years, and 10 to 14 years old).

However, most of these diseases that afflict young Filipinos are all preventable and treatable
in nature, if only they can access health care services. ‘The situation is made worse by the
chronic unevenness of economic resources and opportunities for social mobility. In the
process, many succumb to illness because they cannot afford medication and hospital
expenses, let alone basic provisions such as food.

An average hospital bill amounts to three times that of a minimum monthly salary based on
National Capital Region (NCR) standards. Likewise, according to the Health Alliance for
Democracy (HEAD), sixty percent (60%) of Filipinos have no access to health care at all.
‘The government health budget has not increased significantly in many years.

‘The bill seeks to address the medical needs of children coming from indigent families by
mandating a fifty percent (50%) discount on all medical services in all government hospitals
in the country. This measure likewise seeks to lower infant and child mortality rate as a form
of immediate relief to the majority of underprivileged and health-deprived Filipino children


The staggering rate of child mortality and state of children remain a challenge that needs to
be addressed. The future of this nation rests on the chances of survival of our young
generation.

Immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

(Gus
P. TEDDY A. CASINO
‘Bayan Muna Party-list



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNo._ 4125

Introduced by REPS, NERI JAVIER COLMENARES and TEDDY A. CASINO

AN ACT.
GRANTING FIFTY PERCENT (50%) DISCOUNT TO.
CHILDREN SIX (6) YEARS OLD AND BELOW ON ALL MEDICAL SERVICES
IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS

Sec. 1. Short Title.- This Act shall be known as “Children’s Medical Services Discount Act
of 2011.”

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the right to
health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. — The following terms as used in this Act shall mean the
following:

(a) “Hospitals “ ~ are those facilities defined under Section 2 of R.A. 4226 “An Act
Requiring The License Of All Hospitals In The Philippines And Authorizing The
Bureau of Medical Services To Serve As The Licensing Agency.” This is defined
as a place devoted primarily to the maintenance and operation of facilities for
diagnosis, treatment and care of individuals suffering from illness, disease, injury
or deformity, or in need of obstetrical or other medical and nursing care. The term
“hospital” shall also be construed as any institution, building or place where there
are installed beds or cribs or bassinets for twenty four hour use or longer by
patients in the treatment of diseases, diseased condition, injuries, deformities or

abnormal physical and dispensaries, and such other means by which they may be
designated.

(b) “National Government Hospitals” refer to all Department of Health retained
hospitals.

(©) “Medical Services” refer to services provided by the hospital or licensed
physician in the treatment of diseases, diseased condition, injuries, deformities or
abnormal physical and dispensaries, and such other means by which they may be
designated.


Sec. 4. Discounts for children six (6) years old and below. A fifty percent (50%) discount on
medical services fees shall be granted to children 6 years old and below by national
government hospitals where they are confined anywhere in the country, without prejudice to
their right in availing of the other medical assistance given by the government. Provided, that
the joint annual net income of the parents is not exceeding one hundred thousand pesos
(P100,000.00).

Sec. 5. Implementing Agencies. It shall be the duty of the Department of Health (DOH) to
issue the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the objectives of this Act.

Sec. 6. Appropriations. The national government shall appropriate such amount as may be
necessary to carry out the provisions and objectives of this Act.

Sec. 7. Separability Clause. Ifany portion or provision of this Act is declared void or
unconstitutional, the remaining portions or provisions hereof shall not be affected by such
declaration,

Sec. 8. Repealing Clause, Any provision of law or regulations inconsistent herewith is
hereby repealed, revoked or modified accordingly.

Sec. 9. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two (2)
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,