THE Universal Declaration of Human Rights has long recognized that every person is entitled to a standard of living adequate for health and well-being, which includes access to medical care and necessary social services. In this context, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) lauds the Senate's approval of Senate Bill 2620, which seeks to amend the current Universal Health Care Act, or Republic Act 11223. This development marks a significant step toward ensuring that the universal health coverage framework truly serves every Filipino's right to health through the provision of accessible health facilities, goods and services. With 19 affirmative votes, zero negative votes and zero abstentions during the Senate's plenary session, the proposed amendments focus on reducing the premium contribution for members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth). Among the notable provisions is a benefit for Filipino migrant workers, under which 50 percent of their contributions will be shouldered by the Philippine government with a guarantee that unpaid contributions will not be collected upon their return to the Philippines. Furthermore, failure to pay the PhilHealth contribution will no longer be grounds for denying migrant workers their overseas employment certificates. Additionally, the amendment proposes suspensions on the increase of premium contribution rates in the event of a state emergency or calamity. It is important to note that CHR has previously expressed its full support for the enactment of bills, pushing for the country's Universal Health Coverage, including the implementing rules and regulations when they were passed into law. Read The Rest at :