26/07/2024
Being a recipient of prolonged hospital visits, I attest to how PhilHealth has lost traction with its vision. This is convoluted and how it is disbursed is completely arbitrary.
It barely put a dent on our hospital fees with both major hospitalizations and surgery. It was 3% to be exact. I had to pay the inpatient and professional fees of the hospital and all our doctors and they also had to file for Philhealth which was not deducted to our costs. With that amount of surplus, this should have been distributed accordingly especially to the vulnerable population such as pediatric and geriatric care.
Recently I have heard that they disburse more for certain conditions. Why so arbitrary? I agree that this has to be studied by MEDICAL and professionals in the field, not by politicians. Look at the therapy services, we have not always been supported since PhilHealth's inculcation. They presented a package for children with disabilities but can only be availed at the hospital and not at the current market standards. This is how we lose valuable medical resources to other countries.
Please keep this in awareness and pass it on. We must actively engage in these conversations. I know we always say that it will never change, but then who will stand up for us other than ourselves?
Last January, PhilHealth announced that the members’ premium contribution will increase to five percent from four percent in 2024, in line with the Universal Health Care Act.
