Cebu ordinance: Free medical care for kids of indigents
The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) approved on third and final reading an ordinance mandating provincial and district hospitals in the province to provide free medical care to children of indigent families from newborns to 6 years old.
The ordinance was unanimously approved in yesterday’s out-of-town session of the PB in Samboan town, south Cebu.
“Hopefully this ordinance will encourage more indigent mothers especially in the rural areas to schedule a regular check up and visit our government hospitals,” said PB Member Celestino “Tining” Martinez III.
With this, there’s no reason for parents not to bring their children to province-owned hospitals for medication, he said.
Cebu province has16 provincial and district hospitals.
The barangay will certify that parents are indigent and the child’s age. The certification will be verified by the city or municipal welfare officer.
Beneficiaries should not be charged any amount for medical, incidental or miscellaneous expenses.
Otherwise the medical staff will be fined P5,000 and face administrative sanctions of six months suspension without pay.
The budget for free medical care will be taken from the annual outlay for the operation of Cebu provincial hospitals which is P297 million.
The ordinance will take effect after publication of the full text.
Under Presidential Decree 603 or the Child and Youth Welfare Code every child has the right to care, assistance, and protection of the State, particularly when his parents or guardians can’t provide him with his basic needs.
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