PNP, DOH, DILG ink agreement for free medical services for cops

Policemen can now avail of free medical services in government hospitals.

The Philippine National Police, the Department of Health and the Department of the Interior and Local Government recently forged an agreement which provides that all policemen can avail of free medical services but only in government-run hospitals.

The move was initiated by PNP Chief Avelino Razon, who earlier promised to improve the benefits of the members of the police force.

P/Supt. Renato Dugan of Police Regional Office 7 Personnel Section confirmed the agreement but their office is yet to receive the implementing guidelines.

The agreement provides that policemen can avail of free consultations and confinement in government hospitals. The expenses will still, however, be shouldered by the PNP.

PNP leaders have observed that many policemen all over the country go on leave or even absent without leave because they are sick but do not have the money to buy medicine or pay for their hospital bills

A total of 27 policemen nationwide were found to be suffering from severe kidney problems recently, prompting the authorities to allow those affected to avail of free services at the National Kidney Institute. — Ferliza Contratista/QSB