We, Student and Youth for Free and Comprehensive Healthcare, are an alliance of medical students and youth healthcare workers across the Philippines pushing forth a free national public health care system, enshrined in legislative action!
#SAYFreeHealth#HealthForAll
We were able to listen the message of VP Leni Robredo and her platforms addressing the issues in the health sector. We were also able to hear Atty. Neri Colmenares' solidarity in our campaign for a free, comprehensive, and progressive health care system.
Colmenares on low salaries of HCWs and standardization of salaries of private HCWs: Ilalaban natin ang pagtaas at standardization ng sahod sa pamamagitan ng batas at suporta ng iba’t ibang alyansa.
Colmenares on insurance-based system of PhilHealth: PhilHealth is a failure. Out-of-pocket costs are still at 44%. The system is unconstitutional because HEALTH IS A RIGHT. Whatever the case may be, everybody has a right to get medicated and get better.
Colmenares: Students are the harbingers of truth and justice. We can analyze problems and think of solutions. We are articulate. Most importantly, we know social media well which could influence a big population of people. We should counter false narratives and fake news.
Colmenares on the upcoming election: Always look at the track record. Their records speak for themselves. They have been pushing for comprehensive health with or without the upcoming election.
Colmenares: “Kailangan natin ng presidente na kakampi natin [sa pagsulong sa komprehensibong sistemang pampublikong pangkalusugan] and that’s where Vice President Leni comes in.”
Atty. Neri Colmenares now delivers his healthcare agenda. He emphasizes how the state has made healthcare burdensome for all Filipinos. “Mahal magkasakit sa Pilipinas.”
San Pedro emphasizes that to achieve a proper publich hralthcare system, we need:
1. free medicines and healthcare services
2. health stations in all barangays
3. HCWs across all facilities
4. prohibition of privatization of all public health facilities.
Dr. Josh San Pedro, Covenor of Coalition of People’s Right to Health, discusses Ang People’s Health Agenda and House Bill 9515 which call for adequate budget for the health sector to achieve a comprehensive public health system that caters to all.
Mendoza calls for better allocation of budget, up to 10% of GDP, and abolish PhilHealth. He also calls for just compensation, increased salary, developed public health care system, and the end of contractualization.
Mendoza: Allocated budget is so small that it cannot answer to the needs during the pandemic. Instead of increasing this, the budget was cut even more thus being unable to provide compensation for workers.
Mendoza says hospitals reason out that the health budget cut has greatly affected the quality of service with some Filipinos simply dying without being able to see or avail any medical service.