Free Annual Medical Check-up Act

Stuare Office of the Sanctarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES A11 :37 First Regular Session JAN 28 SENATE RECEIVED BY: 1724 S. No. _ Introduced by Senator Camille A. Villar AN ACT PROVIDING FOR FREE ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR FILIPINOS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Article II, Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution declares that "The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them". Good health is among the greatest forms of wealth that a person can have. However, for many Filipinos, regular medical check-ups are often neglected due to financial constraints. As Benjamin Franklin famously said, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". It is better and easier to prevent a health problem than to treat it once it has advanced. Early detection of illnesses leads to more effective, less costly treatment and helps families avoid the emotional and financial burdens associated with hospitalization or long-term care. This bill seeks to institutionalize the Free Annual Medical Check-Up Program for all Filipino citizens who are members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), as part of a comprehensive and preventive approach to healthcare. While the Universal Health Care Act has significantly expanded access to health services, this measure specifically addresses the need for proactive and regular health monitoring,

ensuring that Filipinos receive timely check-ups regardless of income, location, or current health condition. Health should not be a privilege. It is a right. This bill seeks that every Filipino have a fair chance at living a healthier, longer, and better life. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. Camelics nuis CAMILLE A. VILLAR

D91a1 Offce of the orrectorp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session JAN 28 A11 :37 SENATE RECEIVED B: 1724 S. No. _ Introduced by Senator Camille A. Villar AN ACT PROVIDING FOR 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. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Free Annual Medical

2 Check-Up Act".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to support and

promote the right to health by enhancing programs which focus on preventive medicine that promotes the health and well-being of Filipinos and prevent disease, 7 disability, and death. Pursuant thereto, Filipinos shall be entitled to an annual medical check-up that is free of charge in any government hospital and institution.

Sec. 3. Coverage. - All Filipino citizens who are members of the Philippine

Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), in accordance with Republic Act No. 11223 or the "Universal Health Care Act", shall be entitled to the applicable benefits under the Philippine Health Insurance Program. Members shall be entitled to a free annual medical check-up, which shall include the following:

a. Medical history and lifestyle risk assessment; b. Physical examination; c. Routine laboratory tests, including but not limited to: i. Complete blood count (CBC); ii. Fasting blood sugar (FBS); ili. Lipid profile (cholesterol and triglyceride levels); iv. Urinalysis; v. Chest X-ray; vi. Creatinine; and vii. Electrocardiogram (ECG), for adults over 40 or at-risk individuals; and d. Further diagnostic and laboratory procedures, including but not limited to ultrasound, colonoscopy, mammogram, CT-Scan and similar examinations deemed medically necessary. All these services shall be provided free of charge to all PhilHealth members in accordance with PhilHealth guidelines.

Sec. 4. Schedule and Procedure for Free Medical Check-Up. - PhilHealth shall

establish a standard system and schedule to facilitate access to the annual medical check-up program and ensure that Filipinos shall be accorded quality health care services.

Sec. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation of

this Act shall be sourced from the PhilHealth funds. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its continued implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Health (DOH),

in coordination with PhilHealth, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act within ninety (90) days from its effectivity.

Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared

2 unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and 3 effect.

Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, rules, and regulations or parts thereof

5 inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

Sec. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication

7 in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,