The Sanggunian Panlalawigan recently approved a resolution creating the Provincial Health Insurance of Negros Oriental, authored by Board Member Marcelo Adanza, chairman of the Committee on Health.

Considered as a pet project of Gov. Emilio Macias II, the PHINO was unanimously passed during the regular session of the council at the Provincial Capitol, in Dumaguete City.

It is aimed at providing sustainable health insurance for Negrense indigents, Adanza said, adding that even those not covered by PhilHealth Insurance may also avail of the benefit.

The first phase of the implementation of the program will cover househelpers, laborers, fishermen and farmers, Adanza said.

He  clarified  that  the PHINO  does not compete  with the existing  PhilHealth, because its main purpose is to help the indigents in  the province who  cannot  afford  even a simple vasectomy.

Earlier, Macias had expressed discontentment with the PhilHealth, stressing that it does not fully serve its purpose for members. 

Minor operations are not covered by PhilHealth that is disadvantageous to indigents or low income earners, who would often sell a carabao for an operation.

The PHINO will be implemented using seed money from the provincial government.*MA

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