BACOLOD CITY: Almost 3,000 casual and permanent employees of the provincial government here can now avail of the benefits under the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program (NOCHP). Randy Peacita, president of the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (PACE), announced that Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson issued an executive order extending the coverage to these employees, who were previously not included.

According to Philippines News Agency, only job order and contract of service workers were covered starting in 2023. Peacita expressed gratitude for the expanded coverage, stating, “We are thankful that the governor expanded the coverage. Each staff enrolled in the NOCHP is entitled to PHP5,000 coverage every year. We have requested employees have free annual physical examinations. This is now the response of the governor.”

In a directive dated Nov. 28, Governor Lacson emphasized his intent to provide a comprehensive health program to casual and permanent employees who contribute significantly to th
e province’s health and well-being initiatives. He remarked, “Providing them with benefits will recognize their efforts.”

The program also extends benefits to the qualified dependents of employees, including legitimate spouses, legitimate children and legalized dependents below 20 years old and single, as well as legitimate and illegitimate children with physical and mental disabilities.

Governor Lacson highlighted that casual and permanent employees whose NOCHP coverage remains unutilized by the end of the year will be eligible for a health check-up in any participating provincial government hospital.

NOCHP is a priority program of the provincial government aimed at providing comprehensive health care to Negrenses. Members and their qualified dependents are entitled to free outpatient care in participating government hospitals, and all NOCHP members receive a PHP5,000 yearly assistance for medication, laboratories, radiologic examinations, dental services, and medicines, among other services.