Source: http://www.bworldonline.com/BW071409/content.php?id=073
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES
Nation
Two additional A(H1N1) deaths listed
TWO ADDITIONAL influenza A(H1N1)-related deaths were announced yesterday by the Department of Health (DoH).
Yolanda E. Oliveros, National Center for Disease Prevention and Control director, told reporters a 74-year-old male and seven-year-old female who were positive of the virus died last week.
"The deaths were reported to us last Friday. But like the previous case of death, the virus was not the primary cause of death," said Ms. Oliveros.
The male victim suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis and acute kidney failure, while the girl had asthma.
The first casualty last month was a 49-year-old woman, a former employee of the House of Representatives. Her death forced the chamber to close offices for several days.
Ms. Oliveros said there are 2,668 confirmed cases of A(H1N1) in the country but the recovery rate remains at 95%.
The DoH has advised those with chronic diseases and are suffering from influenza-like illnesses to immediately consult a physician.
Compensable illness
Meanwhile, employees afflicted with the virus can seek compensation from the Social Security System (SSS) and Government Security and Insurance System (GSIS).
In availing of the privilege, the Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) has first required employees to file their request with the respective insurance agencies.
"It first has to go through procedures, but if the employee contracted A(H1N1) in the workplace then [the case] is allowed to be compensated," Jonathan T. Villasotto, ECC spokesman, told BusinessWorld in a telephone interview yesterday.
The benefit includes reimbursement of hospital fees subject to the discretion of either SSS or GSIS.
"The benefits are not automatic. It really depends on the agency handling the case because sometimes even if the virus was not contracted at work, it can be deemed as a work-related issue so they can apply for compensation," said Mr. Villasotto.
The Department of Labor and Employment also said in its guidelines released last month that infected workers may avail of hospital benefits of up to P75,000 from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.
The ECC benefit was also announced last month. ? Emilia Narni J. David
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES
Nation
Two additional A(H1N1) deaths listed
TWO ADDITIONAL influenza A(H1N1)-related deaths were announced yesterday by the Department of Health (DoH).
Yolanda E. Oliveros, National Center for Disease Prevention and Control director, told reporters a 74-year-old male and seven-year-old female who were positive of the virus died last week.
"The deaths were reported to us last Friday. But like the previous case of death, the virus was not the primary cause of death," said Ms. Oliveros.
The male victim suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis and acute kidney failure, while the girl had asthma.
The first casualty last month was a 49-year-old woman, a former employee of the House of Representatives. Her death forced the chamber to close offices for several days.
Ms. Oliveros said there are 2,668 confirmed cases of A(H1N1) in the country but the recovery rate remains at 95%.
The DoH has advised those with chronic diseases and are suffering from influenza-like illnesses to immediately consult a physician.
Compensable illness
Meanwhile, employees afflicted with the virus can seek compensation from the Social Security System (SSS) and Government Security and Insurance System (GSIS).
In availing of the privilege, the Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) has first required employees to file their request with the respective insurance agencies.
"It first has to go through procedures, but if the employee contracted A(H1N1) in the workplace then [the case] is allowed to be compensated," Jonathan T. Villasotto, ECC spokesman, told BusinessWorld in a telephone interview yesterday.
The benefit includes reimbursement of hospital fees subject to the discretion of either SSS or GSIS.
"The benefits are not automatic. It really depends on the agency handling the case because sometimes even if the virus was not contracted at work, it can be deemed as a work-related issue so they can apply for compensation," said Mr. Villasotto.
The Department of Labor and Employment also said in its guidelines released last month that infected workers may avail of hospital benefits of up to P75,000 from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.
The ECC benefit was also announced last month. ? Emilia Narni J. David
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