No Health Insurance for Mrs. Arroyo?

Earlier this week, it was reported that the Philippine government has offered to foot the medical bill of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo if she will receive medical treatment in the country. But doesn’t she have health insurance to cover her needs?

President Noynoy Aquino made this statement because he said that is to ensure that Mrs. Aquino remains alive and well to face the charges lodged against her in the country. The president added that the courtesy given to Mrs. Arroyo extends to her choices of doctors from abroad that they will be flying in to check her.

Wow, that is mighty gallant of President Aquino, but this move was widely criticized. Of course the Arroyos did not accept the offer but the mere fact that the president made it public sparked an uproar. This news came out just about two weeks after the PhilHealth has announced that they will be limiting the health benefits of their members. And yet the Philippine government is willing to extend favor to Mrs. Arroyo.

Sigh…well, that is just how things operate in this country. The wealthy who can afford health insurance are accorded even more benefits while the poor are told to go to government hospitals if they cannot afford the fees of private hospitals.