ANGARA URGES RP HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IMPROVED

With already 138 people dead from Leptospirosis and thousands infected and cramped in many hospitals in Luzon, Sen. Edgardo Angara repeated his calls on the Senate to approve his bills on the country's health care issues. Angara stressed that the deteriorating health of many Filipinos, particularly attributing the condition to poor hygiene habits and lack of access to proper health care, needs serious and immediate remedy.

"Especially now with the enduring aftermath of the recent typhoon tragedies, people are more conscious of their spending and to some extent, complacent of their health if only to cut back on their household costs and recover from the storms. It is our moral obligation to provide for means that help minimize health issues and for us in the government to facilitate expedited response," explained Angara, Chairs of the Senate Committee on Finance.

The most recent blow to the health of Filipinos is the spread of bacterial infection Leptospirosis, resulting from stagnant floodwaters in some provinces of Luzon. Public hospitals have been the only refuge of the victims as they find it difficult to avail of private health care. Angara has also called to allow public hospitals to extend immediate assistance to victims and optimize funds to lessen the patients' burden of expenditures. Thousands of victims have been reported to have been infected with Leptospirosis, and the count rises everyday.

"We are working closely to develop strategies to combat our looming health care problems. One step to achieve this is Congress increasing appropriation for the health sector," related Angara. In a keynote speech he delivered in UP Manila-PGH, he emphasized the need for an increase in the national budget to develop the country's emergency medicine capability as the country faces the havoc of natural and man-made disasters.

Angara has filed bills that mandate early diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases; develop networks of health researchers and research organizations; utilize research results in the form of products, technologies, programs and services; strengthen the capability of the PhilHealth; create and allocate funding for dental units in rural health centers; authorize public hospitals to utilize its income for their operations and capital outlay; and institutionalize a health insurance program for children of poor families.

"The Constitution mandates for the protection and promotion of the Filipinos' right to health. It is just as vital for us to maintain an efficient health care system as it is for them to take care of themselves. It is our responsibility in the legislation to push for laws significant on people's health and lives," concluded Angara.