In support of all hospitals planning to cut ties with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPi) on Monday, Dec. 27, urged its members to observe a “PhilHealth holiday” from Jan. 1 until Jan. 5, 2022.

“Ipapakita po namin na sinusuportahan namin itong mga hospital na ito na kumakalas . Ine-encourage namin sila na simula Jan. 1 hanggang Jan. 5 ay magkaroon muna ng tinatawag na PhilHealth holiday (We will show that we are supporting these hospitals who have announced its plans to cut ties with PhilHealth. We encourage our members to observe a PhilHealth holiday from Jan.1 until Jan. 5),” said PHAPi president Dr. Jose Rene De Grano in an interview over DZMM TeleRadyo.
In observance of the “PhilHealth holiday”, members of the private hospitals’ group were urged not to accept PhilHealth deductions temporarily.
“Hindi po muna kami magdededuct ng PhilHealth benefits (We will not accept any deductions of PhilHealth benefits),” De Grano added.
De Grano likewise asked the public to “understand their situation” in case the plan was executed.
Meanwhile, seven major hospitals in Iloilo City have announced plans to cut ties with PhilHealth due to unpaid claims of over P545 million.
These private hospitals are St. Paul’s Hospital of Iloilo, Iloilo Mission Hospital, Iloilo Doctors’ Hospital, Metro Iloilo Hospital and Medical Center Inc, Medicus Medical Center, Qualimed Hospital Iloilo, and The Medical City of Iloilo. (Charie Mae F. Abarca)