For GSIS members, its P8,520 against the old P4,485 laboratory allowance. However, the contribution of members will also increase as a result of the increase in medicare benefits. But it is not yet definite when the increase in contribution will take effect. Moreover, a new tuberculosis package will initially be offered to indigent members in Aklan and Antique. This is an additional case of perinatal transmission wherein the child was infected with the virus while he was still in his mother's womb.
Perinatal transmission can also occur while giving birth.
There are about 16 children infected with HIV through perinatal transmission. The DOH believes that there could many more children born to HIV positive mothers but do not know of their medical status. There is a 20 to 40 percent chance of babies contracting the virus from their infected mothers during or after birth. Meanwhile, it was reported too that at least 190 persons have died of the disease. The highest incidence of infection continues to occur among men belonging to 30 to 39 age group and among women 20 to 29 years old.