JINGGOY PUSHES FOR FREE MEDICINES FOR INDIGENT PATIENTS IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS

SENATOR Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed a proposal mandating all local government units (LGUs) to set aside a portion of their national tax allotment share to make medicines for indigent patients free of charge.

“Kadalasang libre ang konsultasyon at hospitalization sa mga pampublikong ospital, health care centers o clinics. Pero nawawalan naman ng saysay ang pagkonsulta nila sa mga doktor o pagpapagamot dahil sa kakapusan sa pambili ng mga inireseta sa kanila na mga gamot,” Estrada said.

In his Senate Bill No. 1029, Estrada proposed to require LGUs to earmark a portion of their National Tax Allotments (NTA) for appropriation for free medicines to be distributed to the public hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, or other outlets to indigent patients in their localities.

Under Section 284 of Republic Act No. 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code, local government units are entitled to a 40% share of the national revenue taxes or the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), which is now referred to as NTA.

The NTA of local government units is the quick source of funding for free medicines for the benefit of indigent patients in their own localities.

Studies have indicated that medicines in the country are 5% to 30% higher in price compared to other countries in Asia, making it more difficult for indigent patients to have access to needed medicines.

To ensure access to free medicines, Estrada said government hospitals and clinics will be required to establish their own pharmacy or outlets for the dispensation of the free medicines.

The LGUs, local social welfare department, and barangay officials shall identify and maintain a list of indigent patients to ensure that the free medicines are properly dispensed to deserving recipients, he said.

Imprisonment of two to seven years will be meted against those who will manufacture a list or issue certifications to fake indigent patients, Estrada said.

The same penalty will be imposed against those involved in irregularities in the acquisition and distribution of free medicines, he added.