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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Romualdez says there's 'no excuse for PhilHealth to scrimp'; charter review set 

Romualdez says there's 'no excuse for PhilHealth to scrimp'; charter review set 

Published Feb 13, 2024 09:51 am

At A Glance

  • Speaker Martin Romualdez has tasked the House Committee on Health to conduct a through review of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation's (PhilHealth) charter in a bid to expand patients' benefits. 

IMG-fbcbab3b219c56d282a243820c53f18d-V.jpgHouse of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaker Martin Romualdez has tasked the House Committee on Health to conduct a through review of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation's (PhilHealth) charter in a bid to expand patients' benefits. 

"With substantial annual allocations from Congress and regular contributions from private employees, there is no excuse for PhilHealth to scrimp on coverage," Romualdez said in a statement Tuesday, Feb. 13. 

It was just a few days ago when Romualdez vowed to find ways within the legislative process to boost PhilHealth's coverage so that it could help indigent patients with their hospital bills from the so-called pay ward. 

In the scheduled hearing Wednesday. Feb. 14, the health panel is expected to collaborate closely with healthcare experts, stakeholders, and the public to craft recommendations that will lead to the enhancement of PhilHealth's services and the overall improvement of the healthcare system in the Philippines. 

"The effectiveness of the Universal Health Care system depends on our ability to provide for our citizens, ensuring they receive the medical attention and preventive care they deserve," said Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives. 

READ THIS: 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/11/gagawa-ng-paraan-romualdez-wants-phil-health-to-shoulder-50-of-pay-ward-bills

 

The review order specifically targets an increase in benefits that would cover at least 50 percent of costs in private hospital wards and the provision of free examinations for the early detection of deadly diseases, such as cancer. 

These preventive measures include critical diagnostic exams like x-rays for lung cancer, mammography for breast cancer, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, among others. 

The Speaker underscored the need for the state health insurer to function like an Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), and focus its resources on safeguarding the health of the populace rather than investing in commercial banks and bonds. 

Romualdez says the review seeks to address and eliminate any barriers to quality healthcare, as well as ensure that PhilHealth's operations align with the best interests of the people it serves.

Related Tags

PhilHealth House of Representatives Martin Romualdez
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