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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider PCCI: PhilHealth must prioritize members, not reserves

PCCI: PhilHealth must prioritize members, not reserves

Published Sep 8, 2024 11:34 pm

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) calls on the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to increase the healthcare benefits and packages offered to its members.

In a statement, PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio said that PhilHealth's mandate is to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all Filipinos. 

She then questioned PhilHealth’s decision to maintain substantial reserve funds while its members struggle with inadequate coverage.

Amid criticisms, Mangio urged PhilHealth to prioritize the needs of its beneficiaries by expanding its benefits and packages, stressing the need to ensure that Filipinos have access to quality healthcare, especially in light of rising medical costs.

“Despite posting surplus funds, the agency’s health insurance coverage is still at the bare minimum; members continue to disproportionately shoulder the burden of their hospital and healthcare expenses,” Mangio said.

“These funds are contributions from the hard-earned money of its members.  These should be plowed back to members in the form higher rate of benefits including hospitalization, and the expansion of covered illnesses,” she added.

As of December 2023, PhilHealth reported a net income of P 173.46 billion, with the accumulated fund reportedly standing at P700 billion.

Given PhilHealth’s significant operating cash flow, the PCCI is asking the national government to halt the enforcement of the remaining one percent rise in members’ contribution.

“PhilHealth has shown its solvency.  It does not need another rate hike to sustain its operations and services to its members, it needs efficient management of its funds,” Mangio said.

PCCI is urging increased transparency in PhilHealth’s fund usage through regular performance audits and considering leadership reorganization.

“We need an effective healthcare system to ensure that healthcare services are accessible, equitable, efficient, affordable and of high quality for all.  In light of emerging health concerns, good governance should be strengthened to ensure that PhilHealth capably and appropriately achieves its mandate and respond to current and future needs,” Mangio said.

Related Tags

Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry
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