Regulations set on medical services for senior citizens

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – The city council laid down the procedures to provide regular medical examinations and other medical services to senior citizens here.

The body approved Ordinance No. 7 series of 2013 amending section 2 of Ordinance No. 14 series of 1999 providing said services to the elderly, for said purpose.

Ordinance No. 14-1999 was passed “in recognition of the need to provide regular medical and health services to the senior citizens to monitor their health conditions and take immediate and appropriate measures to safeguard their well-being.”

The City Government of Baguio cares for its elderly and formulates programs and health care services that are accessible through the District Health Centers established around the city.  However, these District Health Centers render services to the general public and attends to the needs of all its patients only during the scheduled clinic day,” Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda who authored the amendatory ordinance said. 

To realize the thrust of the ordinance, the procedure has to be specified.

As per the approved measure, the following mechanics will be followed:

*The District Health Centers, in coordination with the respective Barangay Council and the Barangay Senior Citizen Association shall make a registry of all senior citizens residing within the area of jurisdiction;

*The City Health Services Office, through the District Health Centers, shall issue a health card to the registered senior citizens.  No fee shall be charged for the health card;

*The City Government of Baguio, through the City Health Officer, shall designate one day in a month in each of the District Health Centers to attend to the medical and other health needs of the senior citizens.  A medical officer, duly licensed to issue prescriptions, shall likewise be stationed during the consultation day.  The senior citizens may also avail of the two days a week consultation, together with the other clients of the Health Centers;

*Medical conditions that may require further assessment, treatment and/or management, and other laboratory referrals shall be directed to the Main Health Center and/or to the government hospital, if the need arises;

*The senior citizens are also entitled to an annual medical checkup at their respective District Health Center or at the Main Health Center.  Prior scheduling shall be arranged by the District Health Center with the Public Laboratory for laboratory services;

*The mandatory 20 percent discount shall apply for the medicines dispensed by the District or Main Health Center; and

*Indigent senior citizens certified by the City Social Welfare and Development Office and other government agencies are entitled to avail of the free medicines and services.

The City Health Services Office will be tasked to lead agency responsible for the implementation of said ordinance.

Fianza’s proposed measure was referred to the council committee on environment for study and recommendation.