(from left to right) PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr., BJMP Director Ruel S. Rivera, Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa, DILG Undersecretary Serafin P. Barretto, Jr., DOJ Undersecretary Deo L. Marco, and BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr. sign a joint administrative order advancing the PDLs’ right to health. (Photo Courtesy: PhilHealth)
QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – A Joint Administrative Order (JAO) was signed into effect for the national policy on the promotion and protection of health in jails, prisons, custodial facilities, and other places of detention across the nation.
As such, the Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) will closely work together with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to cater to the healthcare needs of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) including persons under PNP custody (PUPCs) and detention personnel.
This joint effort forms part of the government’s initiative to address the health challenges faced by PDLs in light of their vulnerability to different communicable diseases due to jail congestion. Various mental health conditions cannot also be disregarded given the potential psychological impacts of detention.
Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa reiterated the commitment of the DOH in the inclusive delivery of Universal Health Care (UHC), ensuring that every Filipino has the right to healthy living conditions without discrimination.
“Collaboration among health, security, justice, peace and order, public safety, and local government sectors is essential to ensure the protection of the right to health of PDLs, detention authorities, and the general public from health risks and threats,” said Herbosa during the ceremonial signing of the JAO.
PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO) Emmanuel Ledesma, Jr. also echoed this commitment by emphasizing that PDLs are granted with the immediate eligibility to register and avail of health benefit packages under PhilHealth, especially the Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama or Konsulta Package.
“As part of our commitment to UHC, we are committed to providing access to comprehensive healthcare services. That commitment includes prisoners and detainees and their qualified dependents, so that they receive timely and appropriate medical attention,” said Ledesma.
The signing of the JAO is an important step forward in the advancement of health-promoting and health-protecting environments in the country while ensuring the humane safekeeping of PDLs. (JMP/PIA-NCR)
