MANILA — Senator Raffy Tulfo wants the Senate Committee on Health and Demography to study the need to amend the Universal Healthcare Act to mandate the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to cover dental health services and the provision of dentures in its packages.

"Dental health is an integral component of overall health and well-being, yet, access to dental services remains limited and often unaffordable for many Filipinos." Tulfo said in Senate Resolution 1021, "the connection between poor oral health and overall health may extend and lead to gingivitis, gum cancer, teeth caries, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and 5 others."

"The provision of dentures, as a prosthetic solution for tooth loss, can restore oral function, and enhance self-esteem and confidence for individuals who cannot afford dental treatment, " Tulfo added. "Ensuring access to free dentures for Filipinos is significant not only as matter of public health but also of social justice, as it enables individuals to maintain oral function, participate fully in the workforce, and contribute to economic productivity."

He noted that the current coverage provided by PhilHealth under the UHC Act does not explicitly include dental health services and procedures, pointing out that this leaves a significant gap in access to essential dental care.

"The inclusion of dental health services and the provision of dentures in the PhilHealth benefit packages is essential to promote preventive care, addressing oral health issues, and improving the overall health outcomes of Filipinos," Tulfo said.