To further improve the healthcare system in the country, it is crucial that information campaigns are designed to reach all sectors of society, particularly those who belong to the vulnerable, marginalised, and disadvantaged groups.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) fully supports the Senate’s call for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to emphasize the need for a stronger public information campaign regarding its benefits and services. This would ensure that a larger portion of the country’s population becomes more aware of the healthcare benefits they are entitled to under the provisions of PhilHealth, including the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Act.

According to Senator Christopher Go, who raised the matter, it is critical for every Filipino to be aware of the healthcare services available to them for free, as this further empowers them in exercising their right to access medical care as provided by the State. A “more robust public information campaign” on PhilHealth benefits will help more Filipinos, especially the disadvantaged sectors, become more proactive about their health. Reported deaths due to fear of unaffordable hospital care should not happen again, given the automatic inclusion of all in the National Health Insurance Program.

A comprehensive universal health coverage system can only fully serve the best interest of all Filipinos if strategies are dedicated to distributing important healthcare messages to all segments of society, especially the disadvantaged.

In a society where information is a vital tool for progress, it is essential that Filipinos are well-informed about the public services available to them, particularly in the field of healthcare, which is often perceived as expensive and out of reach for many. Empowering people through access to valuable information is critical to ensuring successful and accessible healthcare delivery in the country.###