The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has increased the coverage of its Animal Bite Treatment (ABT) package to P5,850, up from the previous P3,000, to provide essential services for rabies prevention.

In a statement, PhilHealth President and CEO Edwin M. Mercado explained that the expanded package includes vital post-exposure prophylaxis, such as rabies vaccine, rabies immune globulin for immediate protection, local wound care, tetanus toxoid, anti-tetanus serum, antibiotics, and necessary supplies like syringes, alcohol, and antiseptics.

The increase comes in response to the ongoing rabies threat in the Philippines, where the Department of Health reported 426 rabies-related deaths in 2024.

Of these, 193 or 45 percent were caused by bites from domestic pets--over half of these animals have an unknown vaccination status.

Mercado urged PhilHealth members to seek immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched by any animal, whether domesticated or not.

“Ang rabies ay isang lubhang nakamamatay na sakit ngunit maaari itong maiwasan kung agarang mabibigyan ng bakuna (Rabies is a highly fatal disease, but it can be prevented with timely vaccination),” he said.

Rabies remains a significant global health threat, causing 60,000 to 70,000 reported deaths annually.

The Philippines ranks sixth among countries with the highest rabies incidence.

From January to March this year alone, 55 rabies cases were already reported in the country.

In observance of National Rabies Awareness Month, PhilHealth reminded its members of the availability of the ABT package, which covers essential rabies treatments.

Mercado added that the ABT package can be availed at over 700 accredited providers nationwide.

He also reminded pet owners of their responsibility to ensure their pets are vaccinated to help prevent rabies.