MANILA, Philippines — Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Tuesday called on the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and the Department of Health (DOH) to develop a more comprehensive mental health package and to make medicines more accessible. “I urge PhilHealth to develop as soon as possible a more comprehensive mental health package that will also include consultation and other outpatient services. ADVERTISEMENT“I also appeal to DOH to make its existing Medicine Access Program for Mental Health more accessible to as many Filipinos in need of mental health medicines,” he further said. The lawmaker likewise raised that government service which caters to mental health patients should be widely available across the country. “Although the National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong City continues to cater to mental health patients, we have to make this type of government service available to more people nationwide, especially in rural and far-flung areas,” Go pointed out.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 18, 2022 09:50 UTC