Improved health care access for seniors

The elderly population in the Philippines has seen promising developments in terms of health care access, with benefits such as discounts on services and tax exemptions on select medicines. I have been enjoying them for several months now and believe there is still significant potential to enhance these programs further.

- JOE ZALDARRIAGA

Several weeks ago, news reports stated that state health insurer PhilHealth is studying the viability of covering assistive devices such as wheelchairs, canes, crutches and walkers by next year. If implemented, this measure would provide substantial support to senior citizens who rely on these devices for mobility and independence.

Estimates of the National Commission of Senior Citizens show that the Philippines will have a "significant aging population" by 2030 with the Filipino elderly expected to comprise about 8.5 percent of the household population. As of 2020, senior citizens numbered over nine million.

These numbers only highlight the need for the government to expand and improve public health programs and support for the elderly.

Majority of Filipinos aged 60 and above are retired and dependent on pension payouts, and over the next half a decade, senior population is only set to increase.

The current list of health care benefits for senior citizens is a welcome development, such as the 20 percent discount on health services and the exemption of several medicines from value-added tax (VAT). Yet the reality is that more support is needed to meet the advanced medical needs of the elderly, many of whom require regular medical attention in their golden years. Strengthening these programs would ensure that seniors receive the comprehensive medical care and promote a healthier and more secure future.