In his bid for reelection to the House of Representatives, Representative Jose 'Bong' Teves Jr., the First Nominee of the Talino at Galing ng Pinoy (TGP) Partylist, is advocating for the inclusion of professional fees in the Medical Assistance for Indigent Program (MAIP), making them free alongside hospital bills.
"Nagkaroon po tayo ng batas na tinatawag nating House Bill 11415, sana sa batas na ‘yon maging cover na nating ang tinatawag na professional fee," Teves said during the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Friday.
"Ang Department of Health, kapag kayo’y na-confine sa isang ospital, ang nagiging libre lang doon ay ‘yung hospital bills," he added.
He noted that this is the unfortunate aspect of the current laws in the country, as only hospital bills are covered by the free fees provided by PhilHealth or a guarantee letter from the Department of Health (DOH).
In the proposed bill he is advocating, he hopes to include all professional fees under the MAIP programs or guarantee letters.
With this proposal, he envisions a system where patients can leave hospitals without having to pay for both hospital expenses and professional fees, ultimately resulting in a zero-balance billing.
Shortage of health professionals in the country
Teves acknowledged the ongoing issue of the shortage of health professionals, despite the existence of hospitals that are being built.
He explained that nurses are drawn to work abroad due to the significantly higher salaries offered in other countries.
In order to solve the problem, he recommended implementing a standard that mandates a minimum number of nurses and doctors before constructing a hospital.
Additionally, he proposed that all graduates of medicine and nursing from government universities should be required to work in the Philippines for two years.
Malasakit Centers
"Wala pa tayong batas para [gawing] libre ang pagbayad sa professional fee. Mayroon po ngayong kasalukuyang batas na 50% pwede nilang i-avail na magkaroon ng libreng [fee] sa mga doctor. Pero hindi po ito libre, ito’y babayaran din ng gobyerno," said Teves.
He called for the creation of a law that mandates professional fees in government and private hospitals be paid, either by the hospital, PhilHealth, or the DOH.
"Napakaganda po ng programa natin, may pondo naman ang gobyerno. Sana ay tuloy-tuloy na po ang pagtulong, ‘yun po ang ating batas na House Bill 11415," he added.
Other proposed advocacies
Meanwhile, Teves noted that it would be beneficial to review the Expanded Centenarians Act, suggesting that once individuals reach 65 years old, they should be eligible for a cash gift, rather than having to wait until they turn 80 or 100.
"Magandang reviewhin din ‘yan na kapag dumating ang 65 years old, baka mayroon ka nang makuha," Teves suggested.
He also advocates for the enactment of the "Sana All May Internet Act" or House Bill 10699, which seeks to provide internet connectivity to all barangays across the country.
Teves mentioned that the proposed bill has already passed in Congress and is now in the Senate, which is why he is closely monitoring its progress.
"Alam naman po nating lahat na halos 50% lamang ang may mga internet o wifi sa buong Pilipinas, lalong-lalo na sa Basilan noong pumunta ako napakahirap," he added.
Prior to his service in Congress, Teves also served as the vice governor of Catanduanes from 2001 to 2013.
