The state of health of the Filipinos have been successfully uplifted due to the flagship programs and projects initiated by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo since she assumed power in 2001. This was the information disclosed by the Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
Secretary Duque said that the hunger incidence in the Philippines decreased from 23 percent in the last quarter of 2008 to 15 percent today. He noted that President Arroyo increased the budget of the Department of Health twice which did not happen in previous administrations.
He pointed out that part of the accomplishments of President Arroyo is the increase of PhilHealth’s coverage, saying that about 86 percent of the country’s population is now covered as compared to 36 percent before the Chief Executive’s term.
Duque also cited the establishment of thousands of Botika Ng Barangay where prices of medicines were sold at lower rates to benefit the poor and the marginalized sector of society.
The other vital accomplishment of the Chief Executive, according to the Health Secretary, is the pharmaceutical companies’ voluntary reduction of prices in 16 essential medicines. (PIA)