Health care system should protect kids–Loi

Dr. Luisa "Loi" Ejercito Estrada, a candidate for the Senate of the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Puwersa ng Masa coalition, yesterday pledged to work for an affordable and universal healthcare program as member of the upper chamber.

"We cannot hope to achieve any level of growth if the nation is sick and the work force is not healthy," Dr. Ejercito Estrada said.

She said the healthcare system she envisions gives priority to infants and children since their health is critical to their normal growth and development.

She added that her other priorities as senator include improving the life of women and children, reforming the educational system to sharpen the focus on science and information technology education and the strengthening and preservation of the Filipino family.

A doctor by training, Mrs. Ejercito Estrada stressed that the first five years of a child are the most critical phase of development because the formative growth of the physical and mental faculties take place at this time.

A child-focused healthcare system will make sure that every child enjoys proper nutrition, maternal care and the blessings of a nurturing home and society.

Dr. Ejercito Estrada stressed however that her universal healthcare system will provide help to citizens of all ages, capped with a special program for senior citizens.

The bedrock of Mrs. Ejercito Estrada’s healthcare program is health insurance program that provides affordable hospital service when needed. The program includes the provision of affordable medicines and reasonable doctor’s fees.

Known for medical missions across the country, Dr. Ejercito Estrada said she will also encourage the creation of a corps of volunteers doctors, surgeons, registered and dentists who will provide their time and labors at no cost patients. This will be the equivalent of a Philippine Peace Corps, she added.

She said her program will provide incentives to fresh graduates of medical and nursing schools to spend their first year in the countryside and in underdeveloped urban areas.

A volunteer who has rendered a year of service will be given priority for employment abroad under the government-to-government placement program of the Philippines Overseas Employment Administration, Dr. Ejercito Estrada suggested.