25 M poor Pinoys receiving gov't health care

MALOLOS CITY, Philippines – About 25 million poor Filipinos are now enrolled under the Universal Health Care Program (UHCP) of the government, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said yesterday.

Ona’s disclosure came as he led the inauguration of the new facilities of the Bulacan Medical Center (BMC) here, which he described as the best health facility in the country operated by a provincial government.

“This year, almost all poorest Filipino families are enrolled in PhilHealth,’’ he said.

Ona said the national government is paying P12 billion annually for the health insurance of at least 25 million Filipinos.

“It only shows na hindi lang slogan yung Universal Health Care program ni Pangulong Aquino (It only shows that the universal health care program of President Aquino is not just a slogan),’’ he said.

During his visit, Ona led the inauguration of the BMC’s new emergency room, outpatient department complex and maternity extension ward.

Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Alvarado said the provincial government spent some P31 million for the upgrading of the BMC facilities, aimed at improving the operations and services of the hospital.

He disclosed plans to build new hospitals in the towns of Plaridel, Obando, Pandi, Angat, Norzagaray, Marilao and the city of Meycauayan.