Former Health Undersecretary Erik Tayag, now a representative of the Heal Alliance PH Party-list, emphasized that medical services should prioritize patient welfare over profit, whether they are provided by public or private institutions.
“Nanawagan ako sa mga kasamahan ko po diyan sa mga hospitals, pamahalaan po o pribado, na ang pagbibigay serbisyo po ay kailangan walang price tag,” he said.
“Kailangan po unahin muna natin na maibsan po ang paghihirap ng mga dumudulog po sa inyong mga ospital at health center,” Tayag stressed.
With the goal of easing the financial and emotional burden of healthcare for Filipinos, Tayag also called for medical officials and staff to act with urgency for their patients.
Proposing a ‘health card’ to ease patients' financial burden
Despite the Universal Health Care Act, Tayag emphasized that many Filipinos still struggle with the cost of medical care and lack access to essential health services.
“Araw-araw pa rin may hinagpis ang mga pamilya, lalong-lalo na kapag sila ay namamatayan... maaaring kailangan nilang magbayad ng malaking halaga sa mga hospital,” he said.
“Imbes na tatlumpu dapat bilihin na tableta, sasabihin na lang doon sa pharmacy na bigyan mo muna ako ng apat. Sa pagkat doon lang kasya yung pera," Tayag shared, highlighting the financial struggles of ordinary Filipinos in affording medicine.
Furthermore, Tayag, together with the Heal Alliance PH Party-list, proposed a ‘health card’ that could eliminate or significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses if implemented.
“Bagkus, ito ang magiging sagot para marating natin na zero na ang out-of-pocket expense,” he said.
Tayag, in coordination with the party, projected that the government's current healthcare funding covers only half of the estimated PHP 1.4 trillion needed annually.
”Sa ngayon kasi, nung kinuwenta namin, 1.4 trillion ang maaaring gugulin natin sa health, ay 700 lang ang kayang tustusan ng ating pamahalaan... so itong health card ang magsusulong na sa loob ng 5 taon na darating ang araw na ipapakita mo lang ito [card] at ikaw ay wala nang sasabihin pa,“ he explained.
He clarified that the proposed health cards will not replace existing PhilHealth or HMO cards but will help complement these systems by addressing gaps in funding and service delivery.
Addressing health services issues and citing Filipino’s medical entitlements
Aside from their party’s health initiatives, Tayag also highlighted the importance of improving access to life-saving treatments, such as dialysis and cancer care. He explained that while PhilHealth has expanded its benefit packages, many Filipinos remain unaware of their entitlements.
“Yung PhilHealth ay nagbigay na ng package para sa dialysis, kung saan tatlong beses sa isang linggo, buong taon. So, hindi na po iyon limitado,” the former health secretary said.
“Dito sa mga binabanggit ko, dialysis at cancer, marami po sa kababayan natin ang hindi alam na meron ganung benepisyo para sa kanila,” Tayag added.
Furthermore, on the issue of inadequate medical facilities, Tayag emphasized the urgency of addressing deficiencies in hospital infrastructure.
“Ang malungkot, marami pong health center ang walang pangkuha ng high blood pressure. Essential ho iyan. Hindi pwedeng magpapakonsulta sa’yo, may high blood pressure tapos wala naman pala kayong gagamitin,” he said.
After retiring last year with over 35 years of experience in public service, Tayag, together with the Heal Alliance PH Party-list, aims to secure a seat in the upcoming 20th Congress to push for these health reforms and ensure quality healthcare.
