Seniors received good news last week. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released £42.93 billion to cover health insurance payments for 2023. The allocation, which was raised from Sin Tax Act earnings, will benefit her more than 8.5 million seniors enrolled in the National Health Insurance program. Phil health.
But guaranteeing funding for the medical needs of older people is only part of the equation. We need to make sure that older people are able to stay healthy and protected from vulnerabilities to age-related diseases.
The elderly make up about 11.31% of the country’s population. According to a study by the ASEAN and East Asian Economic Research Institute on Aging and Health in the Philippines, “the pillars of formal support, such as short- and long-term health care and pension schemes, are still developing.” So it should come as no surprise that the government’s official response, like his latest DBM announcement on responding to funding requirements this year, is short-term oriented.
A United Nations study found that “older people were at significantly higher risk of mortality and serious illness after infection. Older people were more likely to have underlying long-term health problems.” It is imperative that governments adopt a more holistic approach to the health care needs of older people.
When the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in 2020, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that it disproportionately affected older Filipinos. Additionally, he was 65 or older in 50.7% of the confirmed deaths.
Visiting the Ministry of Health’s website, it states that it “aims to contribute to nation-building primarily by promoting a quality of life for the elderly and by providing equitable access to quality health care.” Contains entries on productive aging programs. Clearly, older people are more likely to get sick or die from the disease.
However, there is little information about specific health care programs, only links to existing laws on universal health care and laws on the sale of 20% discounted medicines to the elderly. Listed under Type of Service are his two items: Elderly Training and Preretirement Orientation and Training for Primary Service Providers. These programs are intended to enable his provider of services that cater to the needs of the elderly. They do not directly provide essential medical services.
As Covid-19-related programs are scaled back, the public hopes the DOH will expand its assistance to seniors who need to be supported with prompt wellness and healthcare services.
In response to President Marcos’ directive regarding the latest release of funds, Budget Secretary Amena Pangandaman said: Our seniors will continue to be important members of our society who have spent many productive years not only improving the lives of their families but also contributing to their communities. “
