Browsing: philhealth

Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo has called on PhilHealth to expand its coverage to include the costs of treatment for leptospirosis and tetanus. This appeal has been made in light of the frequent natural disasters affecting the nation. 

DOH Secretary Teddy Herbosa highlighted the agency’s ongoing projects to improve healthcare access. He is focusing on geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

Lee highlighted that PhilHealth currently holds more than P466 billion in investible funds, alongside substantial government subsidies amounting to P100 billion. Despite this significant financial backing, Lee noted that PhilHealth’s contribution towards covering its members’ medical expenses remains disproportionately low. This disparity raises concerns about PhilHealth’s investment strategy’s efficacy and alignment with its mandate to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to all Filipinos.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s call for a comprehensive review of PhilHealth’s charter to extend patient benefits resonated strongly with the organisation’s vision. In response, PhilHealth affirmed its alignment with Speaker Martin’s directive, emphasising the urgent need to increase case packages across the board aggressively. Ledesma Jr. reiterated PhilHealth’s commitment to this cause, signalling a proactive approach to driving forward these enhancements in collaboration with key stakeholders.

The eight priority cancer types identified by the DoH include the following. They are breast cancer, childhood cancers, gynecologic cancers, liver cancer (including colorectal and other digestive tract cancers), head and neck cancers (including thyroid), lung cancer, and prostate, renal, and urinary bladder cancer. The CAF aims to address the most pressing needs within cancer care and treatment by focusing on these priority areas.

Each cancer type presents unique challenges in prevention, early detection, and treatment. The allocation of funds for these specific areas reflects a strategic approach to resource allocation. This ensures that interventions are targeted and effective in addressing the burden of cancer across different population groups.

In a recent public advisory, PhilHealth underscored its commitment to addressing the financial complexities associated with stroke care. The benefit packages for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes have undergone significant increases to better align with the actual costs incurred during treatment and recovery. Specifically, the benefit package for ischemic strokes has seen a substantial rise from P28,000 to P76,000, while the coverage for hemorrhagic strokes has been elevated from P38,000 to P80,000.

Health experts suggest Malaysia’s budget for the Madani medical scheme, targeting lower-income groups, should be increased and doubled to decongest public healthcare facilities. There are calls for more apparent strategies on new health initiatives and reallocating sugar-sweetened beverages tax revenue for preventive health measures. Concerns also extend to the underfunding of healthcare digitalisation and the need for stronger public-private partnerships in healthcare service delivery.