SENATOR Raffy Tulfo has filed a measure seeking to institutionalize accessible and affordable hospital services for all public school teachers and their dependents.

In filing Senate Bill (SB) No. 1585, Tulfo cited a 2023 study published in Acta Medica Philippina, which revealed that Filipino teachers experience a high prevalence of stress-related disorders, hypertension, and musculoskeletal problems, compounded by insufficient access to preventive healthcare.

Moreover, he noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized that educators, particularly those in under-resourced settings, face a heightened risk of occupational burnout and chronic fatigue when healthcare support systems are inadequate.

“Despite these challenges, health and hospitalization benefits for public school teachers remain minimal and fragmented,” he said.

Tulfo shared that the lack of structured hospital benefits has also placed teachers at a disadvantage compared with other public servants who enjoy agency-specific medical privileges.

As such, under SB No. 1585, all government hospitals will be mandated to provide preventive, promotive, diagnostic, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare; grant at least a 10% discount on teachers’ consultation and hospitalization expenses; and establish fast-lane facilities for them.

“By ensuring access to hospital care and medical benefits, this measure addresses not only the health inequities faced by public educators but also strengthens the overall teaching workforce,” he said.

“Healthy, supported teachers foster better student learning outcomes and community trust, which are key elements of a sustainable and equitable education system,” he added.