The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is spearheading this year's nationwide observance of February as National Health Insurance Month and its 16th anniversary celebration on February 14.
This was announced by Dr. Rey B. Aquino, PhilHealth President and CEO, as the state-run health insurance agency gears up for the annual celebration which has been institutionalized by Presidential Proclamation No. 1400 issued in 2007.
"Commemorating our 16th anniversary as the premier government institution that provides basic health cover to millions of Filipinos has become even more special with the month-long observance of the NHI Month" Aquino said.
Proclamation 1400 aims to stimulate public awareness on the various issues involving social health insurance. Various government agencies from all levels as well as the mass media have been encouraged to support the PhilHealth cause by holding specific programs to help ensure the success of the National Health Insurance Program.
Aquino added that this year's celebration is also considered a milestone event because it is the first NHI Month and PhilHealth anniversary that carry the administration's program of universal health care for all Filipinos or UHC.
"PhilHealth is very much a part of the UHC by ensuring that all Filipinos are given the financial access to quality health care through PhilHealth insurance" he explained, adding that this year's celebration has been themed "PhilHealth: Tapat na serbisyo, sapat na benepisyo, lahat panalo" to best articulate its role in the UHC.
Among the activities slated for the whole month of February are the holding of press briefings; launch of its call center; tree and mangrove planting in the cities of Las Piñas and Navotas; and the traditional hospital visits and information service desks in SM Malls.
Other activities include thanksgiving masses; Tiangge ng Manggagawa at its head office in Pasig City; bloodletting; photo exhibit by the employees' camera club; and Employees' Day in Pasig City Sports Complex. (End)
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