Camille Villar Advocates for P10-B Cancer Treatment Fund for Underprivileged Patients

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House Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar has called on her fellow lawmakers to support her initiative to establish a P10-billion cancer treatment fund aimed at assisting impoverished patients.


Villar introduced House Bill (HB) 5686, which seeks to create the fund to provide much-needed financial support for cancer treatment. 


"One of the primary objectives of our national economy is to ensure a fair distribution of opportunities and improve the quality of life for everyone, particularly the less fortunate. It is essential that those who are struggling are given a chance to combat cancer, even when they lack the necessary resources," Villar stated.


The proposed bill outlines a cancer treatment program that would be managed by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) through accredited government hospitals in each congressional district. The program is specifically designed for "indigent and underprivileged" cancer patients, who will be identified by PhilHealth in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.


These agencies, along with PhilHealth and relevant private organizations, will work together to draft the implementing rules and regulations for the measure.


"The health of every Filipino, especially those from low-income backgrounds, is a responsibility that the government must uphold," Villar emphasized. 


"Given the high costs associated with cancer medications and treatments, the swift approval of HB 5686 and the establishment of this cancer treatment program would provide indigent and underprivileged cancer patients a fighting chance against this serious health issue," she added.


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