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

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS.
First Regular Session

nouse su. no.3487

Introduced by Representative SITTIE SHAHARA “BAI DIMPLE” |. MASTURA

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

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘This measure is long overdue and widely advocated by many as instrumental in making health services
accessible to all as mandated in Article Xill, Section 11 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which |
quote:

“The State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which
‘shail endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the
people at affordable cost. There shall be priority for the needs of the underprivileged, sick,
elderly, disabled, women and children. The State shall endeavor to provide free medical care
to paupers."

While Republic Act No. 11223 otherwise known as the Universal Health Care Law recognizes the
importance of primary healthcare in promoting the health and wellness of the Filipino people, it should
be noted that primary health care also includes preventive care, where medical check-ups should be
optimally included and given preferential attention,

‘The importance of early detection of diseases that lead to deaths such as heart diseases, diseases of
the vascular system, pneumonia, various types of cancers, tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, nephritis
and other diseases of the respiratory system cannot be further understated than the present when rising
costs of hospitalization, medication and consultation are beyond the means of the underprivileged and
those belonging to the vulnerable sectors when these diseases can be easily detected via physical
examinations and diagnostic tests.

This bill therefore seeks to ensure that every Filipino are accorded free annual medical check-up as an
integral part of their membership in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporati

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

Maguindanao del Notte, Lone District


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

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3487

HOUSE BILL NOS

Introduced by Representative SITTIE SHAHARA “BAI DIMPLE” I. MASTURA

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. Title. —This Act shall be known as the “Free Annual Medical Check-up Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Principles. - 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, 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,
medical facility or healthcare institutions.

SEC. 3. Coverage. — All Filipino citizens, by virtue of their membership to the Philippine Health
insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) mandated under Republic Act No. 11223, otherwise known as the
“Universal Health Care Law’, shall be entitled to the applicable benefits under the Philippine Health
insurance Program.

Members shall 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 repeated 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,