This shows a 100-200 percent profit for the retailers. Flavier said that the bottled water industry has grown 500 percent over the past year. Indeed, the demand for it has become a global phenomenon. Flavier also questioned whether bottled water was always safe, amid reports that street vendors were refilling some bottles with tap water. Almost 50 percent of total health expenditures are paid from out of pocket.
Some people even borrow money or pawn their valuables to pay for medical bills.
The budget for health of both DOH and LGUs cannot adequately meet the health needs of the increasing population due to financial constraints of the government. Services provided by the government facilities are perceived to be of poor quality compared to the private health facilities. Hence, there is a need to have an alternative financing scheme that will pay for quality health services especially for the poor. Moreover, the benefits the members could avail of will be expanded and integrated. Aside from hospital services being provided under NHIP, essential public health services such as immunization, anti-TB drugs and antibiotics will be added.