By Sonny Daanoy
Various government agencies signed on Monday, July 15, the National Policy on Promotion and Protection of Health in Jails, Prisons, Custodial Facilities, and Other Places of Detention.
The policy supports the functions of various offices in providing continuous care for persons deprived of liberty (PDL) through a collaborative governance structure with the public safety, security, and justice sectors.
In his remarks, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) President Emmanuel R. Ledesma noted that the Healthy Places of Detention Framework guarantees all detained persons are included in the national health insurance program.
"Immediate eligibility for healthcare packages in line with the Universal Healthcare Act is a promise we are making today that will be made real with this administrative order," he said.
He emphasized that the framework stands on two pillars: ensuring detention facilities are health-promoting and providing comprehensive health services in places of detention.
According to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the leading diseases among PDL are upper respiratory tract infections (ranked first), hypertension (ranked second), and odontalgia or severe toothache (ranked third).
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The Universal Health Act mandates that the government ensures all Filipinos are health literate, live in healthy conditions, and are protected from hazards and risks that could impact their overall well-being.
The event was attended by officials from various government agencies at The Manila Hotel in Manila.
Meanwhile, DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa referenced a statement from his conversation with the PhilHealth President.
"I asked the PhilHealth President. All the 128,000 PDLs are actually covered under the indirect (contributor)," Herbosa said
Herbosa underscored that "this policy aims to establish a health-protective and health-promoted environment, and as I would say, wellness and longevity for individuals in detention to set up a responsive health system for those who have been deprived."
Aside from the DOH and PhilHealth, several related agencies were also present at the event.
These included the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), the BJMP, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.