Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan filed House Bill No. 11086 or the proposed Comprehensive Mental Health Benefit Act to ensure that Filipinos have access to affordable in-patient and outpatient mental health services.

In a statement on Tuesday, the lawmaker said that a mental health package should be included under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) benefits. Yamsuan highlighted the rising cases of mental health disorders in the country, citing the need for a unified and well-funded benefits package under PhilHealth.

“While we laud the efforts of PhilHealth, our goal under the bill is to have a unified mental health benefits package that is accessible to all, rather than piecemeal and limited programs that remain vulnerable to changes in administrative priorities and funding limitations,” Yamsuan said.

Despite the passing of the 2018 Mental Health Act, such conditions are still overlooked and stigmatized. The lawmaker stated that this perception is often caused by the costly expenses.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) data, in 2020 around 3.6 million Filipinos suffered from mental health conditions. However, it has risen annually by two percent since the 1990s.

Under the proposed legislation, PhilHealth is required to collaborate with the Department of Health (DOH), professional organizations, patient groups, and health facilities to ensure that the initiative is for an affordable and accessible mental health benefits package.

“The package must ensure that all Filipinos, regardless of income level, have access to high-quality, continuous mental health care that meets international standards,” Yamsuan stated.