Thread by @genenisperos

Health officials should stop hiding behind the law to impose its unjustifiable increased contribution rates.

PhilHealth is allegedly forced to require higher payments from members as this is a provision of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.

Totoo ba ito? NO.
1/

True, increased PhilHealth rates are part of the UHC Law. In fact, it is one of the controversial provisions that oppositors wanted to remove or change.

But even if the increased rates are part of the law, is govt really forced to implement it? NO.

Are there precedents? YES.
2/

The Magna Carta of Public Health Workers (1992) states the benefits that govt healthcare workers are entitled to.

But to date, these benefits are not all given to HCWs in govt hospitals. Govt refuses to provide funds for these benefits.

So HCWs still have to fight for these.
3/

The Nursing Act of 2002 states that Salary Grade 15 is the minimum base pay for nurses in govt service.

However, from the outset, govt refused to implement this provision despite pleas and demands from nurses.

The Supreme Court finally decided in favor of the nurses in 2019.
4/

But what did govt do? It distorted the law and SC decision by insisting a wage increase ONLY for Nurse 1 nurses.

Worse, Nurse 2-6 nurses were demoted and the Nurse 7 level was removed, leading to outrage and demoralization.

Yes, govt has a history of NOT implementing laws.
5/

If govt thru the executive branch (yes the one under the president) can unilaterally and arbitrarily REFUSE to implement beneficial provisions of health laws, what more of OPPRESSIVE provisions?!

Mas dapat hindi ito ipatupad!

And the increased PhilHealth rates IS oppressive!
6/

At this time of financial difficulties, increasing contribution rates is very insensitive.

Also, giving more money to PhilHealth is unjustified!

Why give MORE money to an institution that cannot account for at least P15 billion of its funds?

Para nakawin o mawala lang ulit?
7/

From 2010 to 2018, PhilHealth's budget INCREASED by more than P52 billion. Did its services improve? NO.

So what assurance is there that giving PhilHealth MORE money now will improve its services? NONE.

Unless these issues are addressed, there should be NO increase in rates.
8/

Instead of putting more money into PhilHealth, govt should put more funds to govt health centers, hospitals, and health institutions.

These are where the poor ACTUALLY go to.

With more funds, govt health facilities can provide needed services unencumbered by fees as payment.
9/

Health is a right. This overarching principle must dictate policy and programs.

In contrast, PhilHealth reinforces a fee-for-service system. This is anathema to a rights-based approach.

Let's go back to the basics.
10/10

#HealthForAll
#HealthIsARight
#UHCIsNotHealthForAll