BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Albee Benitez proposed the expansion of the Bacolod Comprehensive Health Program (BacCHP) nationwide to bolster the country’s healthcare system.
BENITEZ (Glazyl Masculino)
He said he discussed the proposal with National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan during his recent visit here.
Benitez said that BacCHP, which currently helps cover healthcare costs for residents here, could be implemented nationwide with legislative backing.
He acknowledged the gaps in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and hoped that this initiative could address ongoing issues such as patients still facing hospital fees despite being enrolled in health programs.
The proposed model would involve including private hospitals under BacCHP through a zero-balance billing system.
Benitez noted that NEDA would be instrumental in managing the required data.
Initial discussions indicate that sufficient resources might be available for the initiative.
A key aspect of the proposal is consolidating resources under PhilHealth to streamline the system.
“The assistance from departments like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Health (DOH) will be unified under PhilHealth, ensuring comprehensive coverage rather than spreading it across multiple departments,” Benitez said.
This would simplify access, providing citizens with one unified program offering zero-balance billing, he added.
The city government has already released more than P100 million in healthcare assistance serving over 10,000 patients.
Launched in 2022, BacCHP aims to offer free and quality healthcare to marginalized communities and has partnered with seven private hospitals to extend its reach.
The program covers consultations, hospitalizations, lab procedures, and medications.