Do all Philippine hospitals follow the Republic Act 8344?

Philippines
December 9, 2009 12:03am CST
According to the official website of the Department of Health in the Philippines, RA 8344 is "An Act of Prohibiting the Demand of Deposits or Advance Payments for the Confinement or Treatment of Patients". It was further highlighted in the website with the statements "An Act Prohibiting the Demand of Deposits or Advance Payments for the Confinement or Treatment of Patients in Hospitals and Medical Clinics in Certain Cases". You may also check out the website at http://www.doh.gov.ph/health_policies_laws for further details. I believe that all patients whether poor or rich, have a serious medical condition or a not so serious illness yet still requires a stay in the hospital, downpayment should not be mandated regardless of all these circumstances.
1 person likes this
3 responses
sandymay16
@sandymay16 (1617)
• Philippines
10 Dec 09
No, not all Philippine Hospitals follow that Act. I know 1 hospital that really requires a deposit. I was hospitalized back in 2000 and I did not deposit any amount but some few years back and until now I was surprised that one needs to deposit. I know because I have accompanied some patients to this hospital and it required a deposit and when my mom got sick we were asked for a deposit. Anyways, she was admitted because we just told the cashier that she has insurance.
Daddy Neil
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
9 Dec 09
this is one thing that poor people don't even think of getting sick, like me. because, if they get sick and needs to be hospitalized, they don't have money and they just die in pain. i don't think all hospitals are following this law. but what can people do, complain to the health department, for what?
rsa101
@rsa101 (37969)
• Philippines
9 Dec 09
I have not been hospitalized for quite sometime I hope they are not accepting deposits. From what I know they still require you to pay them in advance especially if you will be admitted but it is not required that you will not be allowed to be admitted if you cannot pay them. It is not mandatory anymore that you pay them immediately but you are still required to pay them some advance payment. I am lucky when I was admitted two years ago I was under a medical insurance. I did not pay the advance since the medical insurance guaranteed for the payment.