Ian Alfredo Magno AT some point in history, apparently in the recent past, the drug problem seemed to have spiraled out of control quite too drastically.  No doubt the inaction of the previous dispensations left this predicament to rot until it reached its malignant state, thus needing a stronger pill--the Digong antidote. While this antidote is not a one-time cure, it requires serious effort nonetheless. Somehow, the work must start somewhere--no matter how inconsequential it may seem.  As a Chinese proverb puts it, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Philhealth has taken that bold step. In battling the physiological effects of chemical abuse, the toxins must first be flushed out from the body.  Hence, as of Nov. 3, 2016, Philhealth issued Circular No. 2016-30 which provides for a Medical Detoxification Package of P10,000 for each patient. The minimum standards of care involved in this detoxification package include:
  • Screening
  • Diagnostics (urine qualitative or quantitative test, Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, complete blood count, fasting blood sugar or random blood sugar, Urine pH, Serum Na, K, Cl; creatinine, BUN, CPK-MM, ECG, chest Xay)
  • Medicines
In addition, the package shall also cover other medical illnesses diagnosed to have resulted from the patient’s chemical abuse. These illnesses are fiscally covered by separate case packages on top of the P10,000 detox package.  Among such illnesses are:
  • Ischemic heart disease with myocardial infarction
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy
  • Hypertensive crisis
  • Stroke
  • Seizures
  • Acute renal failure
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, etc.
Meanwhile, the criteria for availment of the medical detoxification package are the following:
  • Eligible PhilHealth member or dependent
  • Positive qualitative or quantitative urine test for methamphetamine
  • History of methamphetamine use with symptoms of acute toxicity (i.e. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc) as certified by the attending health care provider
In essence, redeeming this country will require more than just a bullet in the head. This ambitious objective, in fact, cannot be jumpstarted by a random and uncoordinated “initial step.”  Rather, the gravity of the situation demands a host of initiatives – from all fronts.  From poverty alleviation; to establishing a health care system that (genuinely) adopts no-balance billing or no co-pay; competitive salary packages in the public sector, wider opportunities for the private sector, and a more equitable system of taxation.  All these, ought to be synchronized with utmost timing and precision to seriously confront the biggest obstacle to change--culture.   (Lawyer Ian Alfredo T. Magno is an associate at Atty. Francis U. Ku & Associates, and deputy legal officer at Philhealth. E-mail: ianalfredom@gmail.com)