Go pushes extra mental health programs funds

Go stressed the need for continued increase, improvement and expansion of mental health programs.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is seeking to increase the funding for the country’s mental health programs during the plenary debates for the 2024 budget of the Department of Health.

Go, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Health, stressed a crucial aspect of public health often overshadowed by physical health concerns, particularly in times of crisis.

The senator opened his interpellation with an inquiry about the current state of mental health coverage under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, questioning, “How much is the current PhilHealth coverage for mental health cases? Do they have outpatient coverage? What is the plan of PhilHealth for the benefit packages for mental health cases and consultation?”

Reiterating the importance of mental health, Go stressed that “we should not forget the adequate funding for the mental health program especially at this time when there are many crises facing our countrymen.”

Senator Pia Cayetano, senior vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, affirmed that a budget for mental health has been allocated, amounting to P4.77 billion, encompassing both inpatient and outpatient services.

Highlighting the budget allocations for mental health, Go pointed out, “In 2023, P1.9 billion is included in the budget for the mental health program of the DOH. In the 2024 National Expenditure Program, the proposed budget is P683 million.”

The senator stressed the need for continued increase, improvement and expansion of mental health programs.