(Eagle News)–Senator Nancy Binay has filed a Senate bill seeking to institute a national health program for lupus.
In filing Senate Bill No. 2070 or the “Comprehensive Lupus Prevention Act of 2018,” Binay said medical changes and interventions can help control lupus even if there is so far no cure for the same.
Lupus is a chronic auto-immune disease that sees the immune system attacking the body’s cells and tissue, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage in different parts of the body.
According to Binay, under the proposed measure, the Department of Health (DOH) will be at the forefront of a campaign on lupus prevention and treatment.
The proposed law also includes a provision to have the fees on early detection and screening programs for lupus covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PHIC) or Philhealth.
“In addition, the increased awareness will encourage understanding, early detection and intervention which are critical in alleviating symptoms,” Binay said, adding that it will also “help empower those suffering from SLE to be independent, self-reliant and productive members of society.”
