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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider UNFPA: Expanded PhilHealth maternity benefits support global efforts to end maternal deaths

UNFPA: Expanded PhilHealth maternity benefits support global efforts to end maternal deaths

Published Apr 30, 2026 02:33 pm
Pixabay photo
Pixabay photo
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the Philippines said the expanded Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) maternity benefits are a step toward meeting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing maternal deaths.
UNFPA welcomed the expanded benefits, noting that cost remains a key reason many women delay or miss out on maternal care.
The revised PhilHealth package, which took effect on April 30, increases coverage for normal deliveries from P9,750 to P29,000, while support for cesarean sections now ranges from P58,000 to P62,000, depending on the case.
Prenatal care has also been expanded from four to eight check-ups, with additional postnatal visits included.
READ MORE:
https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/29/marcos-expands-maternity-coverage-for-normal-deliveries-cesarian-sections
“The expansion of benefits signals the Philippines’ strong commitment to meeting the global SDG target of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births,” UNFPA Country Representative Neus Bernabeu said in a statement.
“For many mothers, the cost of pregnancy can be a major concern—from laboratory tests and prenatal check-ups to the expenses of childbirth and postnatal care. Expanding these benefits helps ease that burden and supports women in accessing the care they need throughout pregnancy and beyond,” she added.
UNFPA said it has provided technical support to PhilHealth, together with Health Systems Insight and the Asian Development Bank, in reviewing the costing of the Maternal Care Package.
The work included expert consultations, facility costing, provider mapping, and studies to align benefit packages with actual service delivery costs.
UNFPA said it will continue working with the government, health providers, and civil society groups to help ensure the expanded benefits translate into improved maternal health services, particularly for vulnerable and underserved communities.

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UNFPA PHILHEALTH MATERNITY BENEFITS SDG
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