A luxury for the poor

Candidates in the May elections should consider the tragedy of Roger Benigno. The 45-yearold helper suffered from appendicitis and underwent surgery in a hospital in Echague, Isabela last Feb. 3. The appendectomy was a success and Benigno was reportedly elated that he was on his way to recovery.

Elation, however, quickly turned to gloom and then to desperation as Benigno was shown his hospital bill amounting to P181,592. The helper reportedly confided to relatives his depression over the bill that he could not pay. At daybreak the other day, Benigno was found dead in the toilet of the ward where he had been confined. Police said Benigno had slashed his throat.

There is no definitive study on how many poor Filipinos have died because they cannot afford an appendectomy, or how many have been driven to suicide because they have no money for medical treatment. But such tragic stories are reported regularly by mass media.

For the estimated 40 percent of the population living below the poverty line, an appendectomy and other common medical procedures are a luxury beyond their reach. Certain government hospitals offer such procedures for free or at subsidized rates, but there are still too many areas without access to socialized health services. Government health insurance has expanded in membership, but the coverage of expenses remains limited.

A visit to any of the government hospitals in Metro Manila will show how demand for proper health care overwhelms resources. Patients even in emergency rooms spill over into aisles and streets. Doctors often find themselves bringing their own basic supplies and equipment such as alcohol and gloves.

Health is wealth. Roger Benigno briefly regained his health, but lacked the financial means to stay healthy. The government, and the new team that will come in this year, must resolve to prevent a repeat of his tragedy.