House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin is pushing for the availability of public funds to ensure free maintenance medications for people who have diabetes and hypertension, stressing that it should be among the focuses for the 2025 budget in healthcare.
Garin, a former Health secretary, made the appeal in response to the statement of Speaker Martin Romualdez that the chamber will ensure enough funding for health in the proposed P6.352 trillion budget for 2025.
“Maintenance medications for diabetes and hypertension, that’s very important. The Medical Assistance Program (MAP) has to continue,” Garin said, addning that she also looks forward to a free cancer treatment plan.
MAP, which has been assisting individuals with health-related problems seeking financial help, is in partnership with government and private hospitals, health facilities, and medicine retailers, among others.
During her leadership in the Department of Health, Garin worked for free medicines for diabetes such as Metformin, while Amlodipine, Losartan, and Metoprolol were given for hypertension.
Meanwhile, Garin reminded the public to practice healthy lifestyle choices and avoid unhealthy habits such as physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
“It is very important that we practice a healthy lifestyle, that we exercise regularly and observe a balanced diet to avoid diseases like diabetes and hypertension,” she said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline Garin seeks funds to provide free maintenance medications for diabetes, hypertension