Isinusulong ni Senador Mark Villar ang pagsasama sa mental health disorders sa mga sakit na kabilang sa coverage ng Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).
“We should not set aside mental health disorders, it’s affecting a lot of Filipinos. In fact, according to the Department of Health there are around 3.6 million Filipinos facing mental health issues,” aniya sa isang pahayag.
Ayon sa isang pag-aaral ng Harvard Humanitarian Initiative Resilient Communities Program, isa sa pangunahing hadlang sa access sa mental health care ang mahal na paggamot at serbisyo.
Sa ilalim ng Senate Bill (SB) No. 2062, palalawigin ang PhilHealth coverage at isasama ang benefit package para sa mga mental health disorder. Sakop ng benefit package ang emergency services, psychiatric at neurological services at mental health gap action program.
“We are pushing for a benefit package para hindi na isipin ng mga kababayan natin ang gastos sa pag papagamot. Nararapat lamang na mabigyan natin sila ng suporta para maibsan ang kanilang pinagdadaanan,” ani Villar.
“Mental health is equally important as physical health. It is a fundamental aspect of our overall well-being. We filed this bill to normalize seeking help for mental health disorders and to break the stigma that comes with it. By recognizing and prioritizing mental health, we can create a healthier, happier, and more inclusive society for Filipinos, especially the youth,” dagdag niya.
Photo credit: Facebook/SenatePH
