"The public health system is not intended to make profits."
"The public health system is not intended to make profits."
Annually, the government spends billions of pesos to ensure the provision of quality health services, making them easily accessible and readily available to all. Health facilities are continuously improved. With the rising costs of health services in the country, subsidies are given to public hospitals. The Department of Health also has its medical assistance program to help indigent patients in paying for health services. All these programs are geared toward the achievement of universal health care.
Given this, it is a big disappointment that PhilHealth-accredited clinics are involved in corruption and misuse of public funds. Recently, a certain WellMed Dialysis and Laboratory Center was linked to allegations of corruption as it claimed benefits from PhilHealth under the names of patients who were long dead. News reports stated that the amount reached more than P800,000. I commend the National Bureau of Investigation for acting promptly on the matter. Charges have been filed against the officers of the said clinic. Just two days ago, the accreditation permit of WellMed was revoked by PhilHealth.
However, the issue should not end with just the prosecution of the involved officers. This reflects a flawed system in the monitoring of PhilHealth on the claiming of benefits by its accredited clinics. It also goes beyond the monitoring. We may only be seeing the tip of the iceberg. There are allegations of an existing mafia-like syndicate, which is said to be behind the corruption going on in PhilHealth. This is a serious allegation.
It can be recalled that PhilHealth has also been previously involved in disbursement of unauthorized bonuses and allowances to its officials amounting to millions of pesos. Earlier this year, the Commission on Audit also ordered PhilHealth to return P20 million worth of extra compensation it gave to its officials and employees.
Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act mandates the automatic enrollment of Filipinos to the National Health Insurance Program. The law also provides for an increase in the premium contributions of PhilHealth members starting from 2019 until 2024 to cover the benefits of all Filipinos. An influx of funds is expected in the agency. While the UHC Act has good intentions, it is important that we ensure that the agency gets rid of corruption to ensure that the funds are used solely for its legal purpose. Any hint of corruption in an agency with such crucial and sensitive role is greatly abhorred.
Hence, I strongly urge the Executive to prosecute and indict officials of PhilHealth if found involved in the controversy. Aside from the revamp of the members of the accreditation committee, the Secretary of Health should also look into the monitoring of the release of funds of the corporation. Moreover, let this be a call to all agencies in the health sector. Many of our citizens patronize our public health system for its cut-down rates. This should not be a reason for public officials and accredited private entities to take advantage of the demand. The public health system is not intended to make profits but to serve the public and to secure the right to health of every Filipino.
