MANILA — Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS Party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo has called on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to provide coverage for leptospirosis and tetanus treatments for victims of natural disasters, underlining the need for comprehensive medical support during frequent national crises.
According to Philippines News Agency, PhilHealth should extend its insurance coverage to include these diseases to alleviate the burden on victims already struggling with the aftermath of natural calamities. "The intervention is crucial as it provides relief to those burdened by trauma and loss caused by disasters," Tulfo emphasized in a privilege speech on Tuesday.
Tulfo highlighted that the difficulty in accessing and affording necessary medical treatment often compounds the challenges faced by disaster victims. "There is an urgent need to address this gap in our disaster response strategy," he added, calling for legislative action to ensure that no one should suffer from preventable health issues on top of disaster-related hardships.
The resolution's co-authors include ACT-CIS Party-List Representatives Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo, Benguet Lone District Representative Eric Go Yap, and Quezon City 2nd District Representative Ralph Wendel Tulfo. Together, they urge fellow lawmakers to strengthen the nation's commitment to protecting the health and well-being of the Filipino people, particularly those in vulnerable positions.