Without the White Coat
RA 9439 is now a law
Last April 27, 2007 Republic Act No. 9439, also known as the "Hospital Detention Bill," was signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It is a bill that prohibits the detention of patients in hospitals and medical clinics on grounds of non-payment of hospital bills or medical expenses. This Republic Act will take effect 15 days after publication in two national newspapers of general circulation. The bill was sponsored by Senators Pia S. Cayetano, Manuel Villar, and Sergio Osmena III. The violation of RA 9493 will have a penalty of an imprisonment of six months and a fine of as high as P50,000.
Under RA 9493, the law states, "Patients who have fully or partially recovered and who already wish to leave the hospital or medical clinic, but are financially incapable to settle, in part or in full, their hospitalization expenses including professional fees and medicines, shall be allowed to leave the hospital, with a right to demand issuance of the corresponding medical certificate and other pertinent papers required for the release of the patient from the hospital upon the execution of a promissory note covering the unpaid obligation". The law also states the in case of a deceased patient, "the corresponding death certificate and other documents required for interment and other purposes shall be released to any of his surviving relatives requesting the same." In part of the obligation of the patient a promissory note could be secured by either a mortgage or a guarantee of a co-maker, who would be jointly liable with the patient's unpaid medical bill.
The PHA (Philippine Hospital Association) is concerned that this law will breed abuse wherein patients will avoid payment of their bills. Senator Cayetano pointed out that the law only applies to charity patients and does not cover patients in private rooms. The question is, "Who will foot the unpaid hospital bills?" Hopefully, Philhealth, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) can pick up the difference.
The measure or law maybe directed in providing for the Filipino's basic need for quality and affordable medical services, but it still remains on the hands of the government through the Department of Health. For the common "tao" there is always that hardship in coping with the rising cost of medicine and medical services. We will always ask ourselves if there is a room for "social medicine." The government will always foot the bill, but with graft and corruption in its hallways, getting "quality" medicine will always be questionable.
There should be a belief on change, of ridding government of graft and corruption and at the same time institute a pro-people program for Filipino health. If one thinks only for the "few", this could derail our progress.