December 07, 2009

Basic Health Care for the POOR Pinoys

Lately, I experienced some kinda embarrassing health problem. Not to mention the condition of my youngest son (who still needs to be tested for sleep apnea), mine is a little lighter but like I said, embarrassing. Filipinos know about "pigsa", "matag tiki" or "boil" or carbuncle. This is something painful, considering the size and the location (which was below the butt).

So far, I feel better now. But I spent a lot of money, just for the medicines, no operation been made so far.

I am working, so I can say, I am a bit luckier than people in the urban places.
I earn, but what I earn is not even enough for the basic needs of my family.
I always have difficulty in budgeting, especially when it not a payday.

Although I am a member of PhilHealth, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, not all health conditions and problems are covered. It says that, you need to be confined for at least 24 hours to be able to get certain benefit. Less than that, out-patients, are not covered.

Do I really need to be confined, to get the service, from my money?
And what if it happens to people, poorer than me?

There are some reported incidents of death from sickness.
And they are the ones who has no money, the poor.

So when the new President has been elected in 2010, can we expect better health care for the people?
When can we get better with the poor health care offered by the government?