Non-implementation of health care law a ‘criminal act’ — Roque

Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) chief Ricardo Morales would commit a “criminal act” if he does not implement the Universal Health Care law, presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said yesterday.

Roque, one of the principal authors of the law, said Morales cannot delay the fulfillment of President Duterte’s promise that the state would pay for the medical expenses of those who catch the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“(The implementation of the law) is not negotiable, and this is a view shared by the legislature. So I think that’s already been established. We will proceed with the implementation of the Universal Health Care,” Roque told ANC.

“This is a law that has to be implemented. It is not (Morales’) discretion to implement it or not. If he doesn’t, then he commits a criminal act. He will not just be removed; he can be prosecuted because you cannot violate a law passed by Congress,” he added.

Morales has proposed a delay of the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act, citing the huge drop in contributions because of the pandemic.

At a recent congressional hearing, Morales said the health insurer’s collection is only about 10 percent of that of the previous year because of the closure of businesses.

He added that PhilHealth may suffer a budget deficit until 2024 as several establishments were forced to close shop.

Roque, however, said Morales may seek additional funds from Congress for implementation of the law.

“If he needs additional funds, say so because the legislators will consider it. And, if need be, the President will certify the need for further funding as urgent so Congress can act on it. But this is a matter that even the PhilHealth president cannot decide on his own because it is the law,” the Palace spokesman added.

Nat’l health information system

Meanwhile, Sen. Richard Gordon has underscored the need to set up a national health information system in the Department of Health (DOH) to be able to implement a better public health program.

Gordon said having a national information system at DOH warehouses and for citizens, which will contain patients’ medical histories, would make things easier for the DOH, especially during health crises like the current COVID-19 pandemic.