The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has urged the incoming administration to continue “prioritizing the health of women through efforts that address their specific needs and removing the multiple burdens that impede their rights.”

The provision by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) of financial benefits to women with cancer and other gynecological issues “is a key step in achieving genuine gender equality and women empowerment,” CHR Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement.

“Health security is an essential aspect of upholding the right to health and overall well-being of women,” De Gua stressed.

“Offering a health package that is tailor-fitted to the specific health issues of women is a concrete way to address their health problems and has huge implications to their welfare and economic security,” she said.

The CHR shared that the benefit packages of PhilHealth cover some gynecologic illnesses, which include early stage of breast cancer (stage 0 to III-A) with a coverage amount is P100,000, inclusive of surgery and chemotherapy. Women with cervical cancer can also avail themselves of PhilHealth benefit package amounting to P125,000 or P175,000 based on treatment options.

It said the other benefits offered by PhilHealth cover the treatment for gynecological problems including ovarian cystectomy, vaginal hysterectomy, dilatation and curettage, and mastectomy.

The CHR is hopeful that these security packages will help lessen the burden of Filipinas who are suffering from cancer and other gynecologic illnesses, as well as provide them with economic security, De Guia said.

By taking care of women, De Guia said that PhilHealth is also caring for other Filipinos since women’s health is an important aspect of family life, community life, and nation-building.

“CHR looks forward to parallel efforts to prevent the common health issues of women to ensure their long-term vitality,” she said.