PIMENTEL PROPOSES PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICES FOR PATIENTS
WITH LIFE-THREATENING AILMENTS

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. (PDP-Laban) is proposing the creation of a trust fund to subsidize the cost of palliative health care and end-of-life care services for indigent patients afflicted with life-threatening ailments.

In Senate Bill 3366, Pimentel sought the establishment of a Palliative Care Trust Fund that will finance the medical expenses of the critically-ill patients especially of the elderly in both government and private hospitals.

It provides that provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays shall set up community-based hospice units ad palliative care centers in every barangay in their respective jurisdiction.

"Every year, cases of cancer, cardio-vascular and other life-threatening illnesses are steadily increasing, leaving many families emotionally, spiritually and physically bruised and broken. Pain and anguish shatter the lives of families upon learning that their loved ones are afflicted with acute diseases that can no longer be cured medically. Their families can only hope for a miracle, as their loved ones hold on tightly to the precious thread of life," the author of the measure said.

"Patients with critical illnesses who suffer unbearable pain and sorrows can only rely on the sympathy and indefatigable assistance of their families, relatives, doctors, nurses and others in allied health services to make the remaining days of their lives bearable."

Palliative and end of life services to be covered by the bill will cover the following:

1. Pain management.

2. Support to terminally-ill patients to live as best as possible a comfortable life.

3. Prolong as far as practicable the life span of critically-ill patients through therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and other natural alternative methods of healing.

4. Provide support and counseling to the families of terminally-ill patients, especially in times of distress and bereavement.

5. Integrate physiological, emotional and spiritual assistance to patients and their families.

6. Enhance the quality of life of the patients and their families.

The proposed Palliative Trust Care Fund shall be derived from the following contributions: P50 million shall be allotted in the annual general appropriations act of the national government for the next five years; P50 million from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation at P5 million per month for 10 years; and P50 million from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office at P5 million per month for 10 months.

The bill requires that l0 percent of the health budget of all local government units shall be contributed annually to such fund. Government-owned or controlled corporations are authorized to give grants to the Fund at their discretion, Private donations and other conveyances, including funds, materials, property services by gratuitous title are also allowed and encouraged under the measure.

It also provides that immediate family members or relatives who actually look after or take care of a critically-ill patient shall be entitled to an appropriate care leave benefit of 60 days a year with full pay, whether in public or private employment sector.

"It is the fervent goal of this bill to provide legislated support and assistance to critically-ill patients and their families, in order to alleviate their agony, and face life with hopeful equanimity even in the midst of pain," Pimentel said.

He said the bill was inspired by the innovative initiative of Canadian Senator Sharon Carstairs who pioneered on this work to help make life somehow pleasant for the people of her country up to the very last hours of their existence. "It is my hope that we can replicate her noble intentions here in our country even it we have to start from modest beginnings and on tentative steps."