A measure seeking to institutionalize accessible and affordable hospital services for all public school teachers and their dependents has been filed at the Senate.
Under Senate Bill No. 1585 authored by Senator Raffy Tulfo, all government hospitals will be mandated to provide preventive, promotive, diagnostic, curative, and rehabilitative health care to public school teachers and their dependents.
“By ensuring access to hospital care and medical benefits, this measure addresses not only the health inequities faced by public educators but also strengthens the overall teaching workforce,” Tulfo said his bill’s explanatory note.
“Healthy, supported teachers foster better student learning outcomes and community trust which are key elements of a sustainable and equitable education system,” he added.
In Tulfo’s proposed measure, government hospitals should also provide at least a 10% discount on consultations and hospitalization expenses and establish fast lane facilities for public school teachers and their dependents.
They should also conduct medical and other relevant diagnostic examinations to ensure the physical and mental capability of all teacher applicants, and set up a system to monitor their health condition.
To avail the hospital benefits, public school teachers must bring their Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID and valid proof of employment in a public school.
Should their dependents wish to also avail the benefits, they must be accompanied by the public school teacher and bring one government ID or birth certificate. — JMA, GMA Integrated News
