THE New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP) is urging the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to consider formulating a benefit package that will cover smoking cessation programs, following signing of Executive Order (EO) 26 that imposed a nationwide smoking ban.
NVAP President Emer Rojas said the group hopes that PhilHealth will have a specific benefit package that will help encourage smokers to consider getting professional help to quit their vice.
“It would be a big factor for those who want to quit if they know that they don’t have to shell out any money when they undergo the smoking cessation program,” Rojas said.
“We call on PhilHealth to come up with a benefit package that will specifically cover smoking cessation programs they will have to undergo,” he added.
Rojas said he believes that PhilHealth has the capability to cover such a benefit package.
He noted that much of its revenues are sourced from sin taxes, thus making it imperative for PhilHealth to help in the effort to help more smokers quit the habit.
“There are billions of funds coming from cigarette products and one way for smokers to directly and positively benefit from it is by spending it for their cure from smoking addiction,” Rojas said.
Under the “sin” tax law, a total of 85 percent of the revenues should go to PhilHealth, while the remaining 15 percent shall be allocated to assist tobacco farmers.
In 2015 sin-tax revenues has reached P141.84 billion.
Aside from PhilHealth, Rojas also appealed to local governments to consider allocating more budget for smoking cessation programs for their constituents.
He is optimistic that local officials will provide more funds sourced from their Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).
“Given the number of smokers that are expected to quit with the climate set to be created by EO 26, we hope that local officials will provide their own constituents better opportunities to quit smoking,” Rojas said.
On May 16, President Duterte signed EO 26, titled “Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-Free Environments in Public and Enclosed Places”.
The EO banned smoking in all public places, including schools; work places; government facilities; establishments that provide food, drinks, accommodation and professional services; outdoor spaces, like playgrounds, sport centers, church grounds, hospitals, transportation terminals, markets, parks, resorts, waiting areas, walkways and sidewalks; elevators and stairwells; and locations where fire hazards are present and public transportation.
The EO 26 also encourages local governments to come up with their respective smoking cessation programs.
Image credits: Nonie Reyes