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Saturday, July 01, 2006
Town rules sought on fees for health
Madridejos’ decision to require patients who can afford it to pay for health services in the northern town is a laudable move, but one that needs clear-cut guidelines.
The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) committee on public health and social welfare recommends that before the PB approves it, the town must first enhance its ordinance “to remove any cloud of doubt or confusion” in its enforcement.
Ordinances passed in the municipalities need the approval of the board before these could be implemented.
Madridejos town’s Ordinance 007-2005 allows the municipal health officer to implement the Socialized Health Services, which enumerates services that “patients who are financially capable” are obligated to pay.
PB Member Estrella Yapha, chairperson of the committee on public health and social welfare, agreed after “careful perusal and evaluation” that the purpose of the ordinance is laudable.
She cited the general welfare clause to support the ordinance, as well as the power under the Local Government Code to create their own sources of revenue. The same section gives authority to local government units to impose fees and charges, which will “accrue exclusively for their use and disposition.”
But Yapha, in a report she filed, said she wants the guidelines to be specific in determining “indigent patients from able-to-pay patients.” (JPM)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (July 1, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
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