PhilHealth Drug Rehab Coverage Possibility
PhilHealth drug rehab coverage – The Department of Health (DOH) now eyes the inclusion of a two-week drug rehabilitation program to the coverage of PhilHealth, as in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s ‘war on drugs’.
In a report on CNN Philippines, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial have said that this plan would be the “most cost-effective program” that the Department of Health could provide.
But, the Health secretary said that the said proposal was still not yet discussed the exact coverage costs with PhilHealth.
“Unfortunately, hindi kakayanin yung prolonged residential services which can take six to twelve months. So yung ipapasok natin sa Philhealth is acute phase, which lasts up to two weeks,” said Ubial as quoted in the report.
[Unfortunately, (the program) can’t afford the prolonged residential services which can take six to twelve months. So, what will be included in PhilHealth is acute phase, which lasts up to two weeks.]
During the acute phase, patients are receiving active but “short-term” treatment for their condition.
The secretary said that the Health Department was looking at both non-medicinal and medicinal detoxification programs. Also, she mentioned that the medical treatment for the condition might be expensive than providing psycho-social support, counseling, and debriefing.
Senator Tito Sotto already filed Senate Bill No. 8, which orders PhilHealth the inclusion of drug addiction treatment in its services.
In the report, it is said that the government have said that it plans to build rehab centers all over the country.
Meanwhile, the Duterte’s administration still continues to go war against the drug trade in the Philippines led by the Philippine National Police Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.
It has been stated in Journal, by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Isidro Lapeña that there is at least 673,978 drug dependents, and about 44,839 pushers, have already surrendered from July 1 to August 22, 2016.