A measure mandating the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to develop a specialized benefit package targeting the postpartum mental health of Filipino women has been proposed in the House of Representatives.
In filing House Bill 8617, Parañaque Representative Brian Yamsuan seeks to address the mental health struggles of women after pregnancy, which are often neglected or dismissed as a routine occurrence of childbirth.
“Ang postpartum depression, anxiety o stress ay hindi dapat ipagwalang-bahala na lamang. This is a vulnerable stage in a mother’s life. It is essential that they are not left to face these challenges alone,” Yamsuan said.
Yamsuan noted that while PhilHealth provides benefit packages for general and specialty mental health services, there are currently none specifically designed for the screening and diagnosis of postpartum mental health conditions.
To fill this gap, HB 8617 provides that PhilHealth cover routine screening, diagnosis, and treatment for postpartum mental health disorders, such as postpartum blues, depression, or psychosis.
The bill also directs the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth to conduct a nationwide information campaign on postpartum mental health to heighten public awareness regarding these concerns and promote the availability of government support services.
“Kakagunita lang natin ng National Mental Health Week nitong nakaraang linggo pero wala tayo gaanong narinig tungkol sa postpartum mental health na isa ring dapat pagtuunan ng pansin,” Yamsuan said.
“This is why the information campaign under our bill also aims to educate mothers about the importance of postpartum care and where they can turn to if they need help, including the Philhealth benefit package we are proposing under our measure,” Yamsuan also said.
The fear of stigma, being judged, or being expected to remain strong and resilient often discourages women from seeking help when experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, or stress.
Even if they seek medical assistance, it entails out-of-pocket expenses that cause additional financial strain on them and their families, making it even more difficult for postpartum women to receive the mental health support they require.
A study found that at least three in every five pregnant or postpartum Filipino women experienced clinically significant depressive symptoms.
The same study found that there is an elevated risk of postpartum depression among younger women and single mothers.
Surveys conducted on the prevalence of postpartum depression among mothers in some government hospitals across the country showed varying results, with findings ranging from 14.5 percent, 22.61 percent, and up to 32.8 percent.