Binay vows more money, programs for health sector

United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) standard-bearer Vice President Jejomar Binay vowed to increase public health spending to at least five percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) if and when he becomes the next chief executive. Joey Salgado, Binay’s campaign communications director, said the presidential aspirant’s plan is in line with the recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO). “This will allow government to provide free medical treatment for serious illnesses that require prolonged hospitalization and often expensive treatments,” Salgado said. He said these serious illnesses include leukemia, early stage breast cancer, prostate cancer, kidney transplant, heart disease, and cervical cancer. The infusion of more money also means the implementation of more health-centric projects “It also replicates Makati’s globally recognized Yellow Card health program that has significantly reduced out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare,” added Salgado, referring to a pet project of Binay when he was still Makati City mayor. In fact, a [...]