A total of 12,571 indigent families expressed joy and relief as Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda together with Philippine Health Insurance Corporation led the distribution of Member Data Records (MDR) in five separate venues here Friday.
The governor had an early start at the Salapungan Covered Court where she met with two batches of PhilHealth beneficiaries and was joined by Board Members Ric Yabut and Atty. Gerome Tubig, Mayor Rene Maglanque, Vice Mayor Babes Evangelista, Apalit Mayor Jun Tetangco, Sto. Tomas Vice Mayor Louie Arceo, other local officials and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office led by Elizabeth Baybayan.
Here the governor stressed the importance of seeking immediate medical attention when needed for every family member as it directly affects their welfare and the future of their family.
“Poverty is no longer an excuse for forgoing needed medical exams or checkups. With your PhilHealth cards you can avail free and quality medical services under the TSeKaP or Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya Program through your rural health unit or barangay health centers,” Pineda said.
Medical services under TSeKaP include regular blood pressure monitoring; counselling on breastfeeding, smoking cessation and lifestyle modification; screening services to detect breast and cervical cancers; and digital rectal exam.
Sponsored PhilHealth members are also covered by the “no balance billing policy” when seeking medical assistance from accredited government hospitals or facilities.
Governor Pineda and the PhilHealth team led by Branch Manager Henry Almanon were also welcomed with applause and cheers at the remaining venues namely, Candaba Trade Center, Earth Park Covered Court in Barangay Mandasig, Pacoma Covered Court in Barangay Bahay Pare and Mangga Covered Court during the remaining part of the day.
Maglanque, in behalf of his constituents, also expressed his gratitude to the provincial government headed by Governor Pineda and the national government headed by President Benigno Aquino III for their comprehensive health programs.
“The provision of health insurance to these marginalized families is very significant as they need not worry anymore about the medicines, hospitalization or regular check-up of their family members,” Maglanque stated.
Beneficiaries were identified through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) while the insurance premiums were paid for by the Department of Health.
By Angelique Tuazon-Eliseo
