In a significant move to prioritize public health and ensure accessible medical services, the Philippine government, under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., announced today that numerous national and local government hospitals and health centers are now offering free anti-rabies and animal bite vaccinations.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed this initiative during a press briefing, stating, “If you have been bitten or scratched by your pet dogs or cats and are concerned about rabies, vaccination is free in government hospitals.”
This crucial program aims to mitigate the serious public health threat posed by rabies, a disease that accounts for an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 deaths globally each year. The Philippines currently ranks sixth worldwide in rabies incidence, highlighting the urgency of these new measures.
In addition to free services in public facilities, Undersecretary Castro also highlighted the role of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in providing financial assistance for those seeking treatment in private institutions. “PhilHealth has an animal bite package for those seeking treatment in private hospitals,” she explained.
PhilHealth has substantially increased its Animal Bite Treatment (ABT) package to PHP 5,850 from the previous PHP 3,000. This enhanced package comprehensively covers essential post-exposure prophylaxis, including:
- Rabies vaccine
- Rabies immune globulin for immediate protection
- Local wound care
- Tetanus toxoid and anti-tetanus serum
- Antibiotics
- Necessary medical supplies (syringes, alcohol, antiseptics)
During the briefing, Undersecretary Castro also reminded parents of children aged five years old and below to take advantage of free routine immunization services available in public health centers and hospitals. “And a reminder too, vaccines for our children from zero to five years old are free,” she added.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens from preventable diseases and ensuring that vital health services are within reach for all Filipinos.
