Youth leaders intensify calls for universal healthcare

Witness the launch of a growing youth movement.

Youth leaders are realizing their massive potential as catalysts for the realization of universal healthcare. As such, on May 10, Friday, student leaders will gather together to advocate reforms for the healthcare system. The National Institutes of Health at the University of the Philippines Manila will play host to this call for change.

“We believe that access to health care is an absolute human right and that all people must have access to health care services; and that every individual should have full access to these rights regardless of their socio-economic status or upbringing.”

So asserts the Youth Manifesto on Universal Healthcare, the petition now being on www.change.org. 

Indeed, the economic gap between rich and poor must be reduced, and the state must create an enabling environment for each individual to reach one’s full potential – physically, psychologically and socially.

These youth leaders believe that there must be no discrimination in the access to healthcare. It must be for all – regardless of age, political affiliation, religious belief, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical disability.

These student leaders assert that they themselves should be part, not only in the consultation process of health policy and legislation, but in its administration, implementation, and evaluation. It’s a reasonable assertion actually, given that such youth empowerment and participation is stipulated for by Republic Act 8044 (The Youth in Nation-Building Act).

The manifesto commits to a program of action, including advocacy, youth empowerment, legislative engagement, and the active demand for accountability from winning senators.

For more info, visit www.change.org/ph/mga-petisyon or contact Mr. Joey dela Cruz at 0927 613 9685.