Villar seeks free medical, dental care for poor kids

Senate President Pro Tempore Manuel Villar Jr. has filed a bill seeking to require public and private hospitals and other health institutions to give medical and dental care to poor children.

Villar said private hospitals and other health institutions will be allowed income tax deductions based on expenses and lost profits to be carried out for a period of five years.

"It is sad to see young children suffering from illnesses and whose conditions worsen due to the inability of their parents to pay for needed medical attention," he said.

Villar said poor children can also get free medical and dental care from medical centers, clinics and infirmaries, and puericulture centers.

"The nation’s future is in the hands of today’s children" he said. "We must not allow them to wither away in sickness and grow up as unhealthy individuals just because they cannot afford proper health care."

Villar said the bill seeks to benefit minors (below 18 years old) who have been deprived of parental care and support, and whose families are unable to care for them.

"It is the duty of the state to save the children from neglect," he said.

Penalties will be imposed on the heads of hospitals and other health institutions that refuse or fail to give medical and dental services to poor children, he added. – Aurea Calica