KOROR (Palau Horizon) – Health Minister Stevenson Kuartei said that the ministry will be reviewing the medical services discount given to members of the Filipino Community in Palau.
Kuartei was responding to the letter sent earlier by Philippine Ambassador Ramoncito Marino regarding the suspension of the 50 percent discount at the Belau National Hospital for the TFCP members.
“This is a cause of concern for us since this suspension has substantial financial implication for a great majority of the Filipinos in Palau. The said discount had been of much help to them and I have heard many expressions of thanks from my compatriots who happened to be its beneficiaries,” Marino said in his letter.
The envoy has requested Kuartei to reinstate the discount to Filipino workers in Palau.
“I am urgently requesting the good minister to reinstate the aforementioned discount to Filipino workers in Palau who are bona fide members of TFCP as evidenced by their valid identification cards. I am sure that their employers who often have to advance the cost of their medical needs, share my sentiments,” Marino said.
Kuartei for his part said the matter is now being reviewed.
“The MOH is now reviewing and formalizing its policy that will be equitable for all expatriate population residing in Palau,” Kuartei said.
The minister noted that under the Division of Labor’s regulation all work related medical expenses are the responsibility of the employer.
