PhilHealth, DepEd urged to ensure health insurance of teachers returning to in-person classes

According to [CNN Philippines], the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and the Department of Education should ensure that teachers and other school personnel returning to in-person classes can easily access their health insurance, Senator Win Gatchalian said on Wednesday.

Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, said teachers, principals, superintendents, and other education personnel are entitled to PhilHealth coverage that could protect them in case they catch the coronavirus.

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PhilHealth, DepEd urged to ensure health insurance of teachers returning to in-person classes. (Photo / Retrieved from Daily Advent)

He also said DepEd should properly coordinate with PhilHealth to easily tap the state health insurer for hospital coverage, immediate testing, and reimbursement of other related medical charges.

Gatchalian also recommended putting up handwashing facilities and maintain a small class size to protect students from infection.

Advocates of health and education reform urged the government to ramp up testing, contact tracing, and vaccination among teachers and students ahead of the school reopening.

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According to [CNN Philippines], limited face-to-face classes will resume in 100 public schools and 20 private schools in low-risk areas after a year of distance learning in the country. The government has yet to announce the date of the pilot run, but a selection process is underway to assess the readiness of the participating schools.