Senator Sonny Angara is seeking passage of a bill that would provide free annual medical check-up for all Filipinos, which is a vital preventive health care service that can help stop any potential critical ailments at an early stage.

As one of the authors of Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act, Angara noted many Filipinos do not seek medical care in their lifetime and only do so when their health conditions are at a serious or ciritical stage due to their inability to pay for these services.

“Undergoing annual medical check-ups are considered as essential especially at this time when we are facing pandemic that has already resulted in the deaths of over 20,000 individuals and the infection of close to 1.4 million in our country,” Angara said in pushing Senate Bill No. 2297 or the proposed Free Annual Medical Check-Up Act of 2021.

“The right to health is a fundamental right and as such, no Filipino should be deprived of basic health services,” the senator stressed.

Angara observed some Filipinos opt for self-care or take alternative remedies, including traditional health to cope with their ailments.

Under the bill, the free annual medicak check-ups would be part of the benefits provided by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) under the Universal Health Care law

The laboratory and diagnostic examinations will be handled and administered by health care institutions accredited by the state health insurer.

The lawmaker said passage of the bill into law would provide a “win-win” solution for both the government and the general public. The government can also save more funds with the approval of the measure into law.

“This is a win-win for both the government and the Fiipino people. We help Filipinos in addressing their most immediate health concerns and promote a healthy lifestyle while also easing the growing cost of healthcare in the country,” Angara stressed.