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

Va ESE

C4
fi RECEIVED
f= pare: 28. AUG 2013

TIME: — gf,

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular

House Bill No.

Introduced by BAYAN MUNA
Representatives NERI J. COLMENARES and CARLOS ISAGANI T. ZARATE

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 chileeen
below five years old. According to the 2008 United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund
(UNICEP), an average of 32 Filipino children (per 1,000 live births) die before they reach the
age of five. Said data almost estimates the 2008 National Demographic and Health Susvey
(NDHS) of 34 Filipino children (per 1,000 live births) 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 mostly preventable causes.

still acce
ge groups (1 i

Available data from the Department of Health reveal that infectious disea
more than half of the 10 leading causes of child mortality across three differen
4 years, 5 109 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 ftom indigent famit
mandating a fifty percent (50%) discount on all medical services in all government ho:
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 scate 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.

Rep. RetosXox

Baya Muna Patt



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

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2614

House Bill No.

Introduced by BAYAN MUNA
Representatives NERI J. COLMENARES and CARLOS ISAGANI T, ZARATE

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

- This Act shall be known as “Children’s Medical Services Discount Act of

See. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the tight 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 Ail Hospitals In The Philippines And Authorizing
Bureau of Medical Services ‘lo 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 cwenty-four hour use or longer by patients
in che 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

c. “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 dispensaties, and such other means by which they may be designated,

Sec. 4, Discounts for children six (6) years old and below. 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 is not exceeding one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) annually,

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

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

See. 7. Separability Clause. If any 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 hercty
repealed, revoked or modified accordingly.

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

Approved,