Hontiveros: Hospitals that treat indigent emergency-case patients
will get tax deductions

PASAY CITY - Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros is pushing for tax deductions for hospitals compliant to Republic Act 8344 or more popularly known as the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law.

Under Hontiveros' proposed Senate Bill No. 216, the cost of the basic emergency care incurred shall be tax deductible in favor of the said hospital or medical clinic that has given basic emergency medical services to the poor and indigent patient.

"I am confident that majority of our hospitals are compliant with the law and contributing to address the public health care gap", addressed Hontiveros. "We will make sure that their efforts in partnership with government hospitals in addressing the health care needs of our people are duly recognized and rewarded," she added.

Hontiveros, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, is set to call for a committee hearing on the said bill to "determine the loopholes in implementation and take into consideration the best and worst practices of the law."

"We know that there are existing cases of erring hospitals violating the law", Hontiveros said. "We want to shed light on this matter so similar incidents will not happen in the future", she continued.

Aside providing tax deductions for compliant hospitals, the said Senate bill also hopes to create a Health Facilities Oversight Board, chaired by a Department of Health representative. "The Board will provide a clear channel for redress of grievances by patients and ensuring their rights and welfare", Hontiveros said.