Antipolo residents receive free ultrasound, cryotherapy, breast and cervical cancer screening on September 6, 2023. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/file

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Monday vowed several health reforms, including the construction of more specialty hospitals and the inclusion of more types of cancer under the PhilHealth's benefits program.

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During his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos Jr. enumerated some healthcare-related programs he wanted to be realized in the coming years. 

"Bago natapos ang taon, maisasama na rin sa benepisyo ng PhilHeath ang chemotheraphy para sa cancer sa baga, atay, ovary, at prostate," Marcos said.

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PhilHealth earlier said it is also looking into enhancing the Z Benefits Package for cervical cancer, and the chemotherapy coverage for lung, liver, ovarian, and prostate cancers. 

This, after PhilHealth approved the enhanced Z Benefits Package for breast cancer, from P100,000 to the current P1.4 million.

Marcos also touted the approval of construction of 2 hospitals dedicated to cancer treatment.

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"The UP PGH Cancer Center is the first PPP to be approved in this administration. Together with the PGH Cancer Center of the DOH, these 2 specialty hospitals will soon join the nations fight against cancer," he said.

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According to Marcos, more than 400,000 Filipinos are suffering from different types of cancer. 

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"These centers will be a godsend to more than 400,000 Filipinos who are afflicted with this deadly disease."

Marcos also said that more mobile healthcare facilities will be put up in all provinces. 

"Layunin natin sa lalong madaling panahon na ang lahat ng lalawigan natin ay may sapat na center o pasilidad na may kakayahang makapagbigay ng panungahing serbisyo medikal sa ating mga mamamayan," he said.

"Tityakin natin na bawat isang probinsya ay mabibigyan ng mobile clinic para ang laboratory exam at iba pang medical service ay mapapalapit natin sa ating mga kababayan," he added.

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