(UPDATE) MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) said on Friday that irresponsible motorists injured in road accidents cannot avail of the government’s zero-balance billing program.
“If you are admitted because you were not wearing a helmet, you were not wearing a seatbelt, or you were drinking, you are now disqualified from the zero-balance billing,” said Health Secretary Ted Herbosa.
The DOH said road crashes remain a silent killer in the country, claiming nearly 13,000 lives annually, surpassing the death toll of Typhoon Yolanda every single year.
“Almost 13,000 people die every year on our streets due to road crash injuries. Typhoon Yolanda had about 7,000 deaths. Every year, we are experiencing more than Typhoon Yolanda from road crashes,” he said.
According to the DOH, most road crashes involve young people ages 5 to 29.
“When a working person dies, his wife and children are affected,” Herbosa added.
Dr. Robert Siy, Jr., co-convener of the Move As One Coalition, emphasized that road crash fatalities are preventable, noting the need for a holistic approach to road safety.
Siy explained the need for better road infrastructure.
”Infrastructure is also important. The vehicles are also important. The regulations that we have for licensing, for penalties, all of that. This is what creates what we call the safe system approach,” he said.
The zero-balance billing was announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his fourth State of the Nation Address in July. The initiative aims for total government subsidy for Filipinos admitted to DOH hospitals. It is currently being implemented in 87 DOH hospitals nationwide.
