COMMUNITY BILLBOARD

Ifugao gov’t, Aboitiz to deploy doctors in b’gays

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- The provincial government is set to deploy doctors in the barangays to improve health services in the province.

The deployment of more doctors is part of Gov. Denis Habawel’s health program dubbed as “HandogKalusugansaIfugao” with support from the SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) Magat under its corporate social responsibility (CSR).

SNAP – Magat has committed to support the hiring of at least two doctors to be deployed to the barangays to extend primary as well as preventive medical care services in the barrios.

These doctors will work five days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 pm.

The power firm will  also provide two four by four pick-up trucks for the use of doctors with  the first unit will be given this year and the second unit in 2014. -- Marcelo Lihgawon

PhilhealthKalinga moving in towns  for membership

By Peter Balocnit

TABUK CITY, Kalinga - - The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) Kalinga field office is  set to conduct  municipal sorties  next month  to invite families and individuals for membership to the state-run health insurance  as well as  check on membership status of members.

Rommel Aranca, Philhealth Kalinga PhilHealth head,  said this is the second round that Philhealth is reaching out to the municipalities to speed up implementation of universal health care program of government.

He said Philhealth personnel and those assigned in district hospitals in coordination with municipal local government units will converge for at least a day in any town center to accept and process application of new members and update membership of  old members.

“This is the only way of enrolling qualified members by bringing to them directly the service they need so that their membership is ensured when documents are processed right at where they live to avoid unnecessary expenses or delay in their application if they keep coming to our office,” Aranca said.

Meanwhile, Philhealth  is busy disseminating  to its  members the benefits under  the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 7875 as amended or otherwise known as the National Health Insurance Act of 2013.

Effective October 6, 2013, members who have paid  premium contribution for at  least three consecutive months can avail of  certain benefits. 

Before, members  have to pay  nine months contributions to avail of certain benefits.

“This is another milestone in our quest to attain universal health care under President Aquino’s administration,” he said adding the amendments benefit more Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program or 4Ps and sponsored members.