NOCHP under review due to Universal Health Care

By: Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program is now under review because of the looming implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.

NOCHP is the brainchild of former Negros Occidental governor Alfredo Marañon which seeks to address hospitalization woes of Negrenses, particularly the poor and underprivileged.

Lacson said that the Department of Health Regional Director Marilyn Convocar assured that Negros will get more funds with the implementation of the UHC.

The Implementing Rules and Regulation of the UHC is expected to come out on Oct 8, 2019 he said.

Lacson also said that the UHC will cover all the expenses of patients who will be admitted to government hospitals, including laboratory fees.

The provincial government can help by covering the medicines of discharged patients.

Lacson said with the impending implementation of the UHC, the recommended budget for NOCHP will be reduced.

In 2020, the proposed budget for NOCHP is P120 million.

UHC cardholders will avail zero billing at government hospitals.

Lacson said he is also mulling to request for the establishment of a Malasakit Center at the provincial hospital here.

The Malasakit Center of the national government provides medical assistance to poor patients.