President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announces that PhilHealth will double benefit packages for children with developmental disabilities, expanding coverage for consultations and therapy sessions, according to reports covering his fifth State of the Nation Address. One outlet reports that the number of covered therapy sessions will increase from 90 to 150 as part of the expanded benefit package. Another account highlights that the announcement is intended to widen access to services such as therapeutic consultations and ongoing treatment for children with developmental disabilities.
A child-focused nonprofit, the NORFIL Foundation Inc., welcomes the pledge, saying it signals greater national attention to disability concerns. The group also urges the government to pursue broader reforms beyond health financing to address the wider needs of children with disabilities.
Separately, coverage of the announcement also notes that Marcos points to the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Project Aruga as an additional source of financial assistance for children with disabilities.
Overall, the announcements focus on expanding PhilHealth coverage and increasing the volume of therapy services available under the benefit package, while advocacy groups call for continued policy improvements.
