The Philippine National Police (PNP) and a health insurance company have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) as part of efforts to boost the morale of uniformed police personnel who have served for many years, particularly those with over 20 years of service.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Inc. (PSMBFI) chairperson (Ret) Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos, and Medicare Plus Inc. (MPI) chief executive officer Maria Jesusa Viray signed the agreement in a ceremony held in Quezon City.
The MOU aims to improve healthcare access for PNP members through a partnership with Medicare Plus Inc., which will provide comprehensive services, including in-patient and out-patient care, emergency services, dental care, consultations, and laboratory tests.
“Our personnel serve and protect the public, and in return, they deserve the best care and support,” Marbil said Manila Standard Life during the event.
He highlighted the importance of ensuring police officers receive essential healthcare, allowing them to perform their duties with confidence.
“Our personnel are not adequately protected. While we are doing well, we can’t provide advances for funds, so we rely on reimbursements. Wealthy individuals have access to the best lawyers, but we depend on in-house legal assistance. Many policemen face danger but don’t receive the medical attention they deserve.”
“Healthcare costs us significantly, and we pay out of pocket unless it’s from our hospital. We pay first and then get reimbursed, which can take up to six months. Those who fall ill are limited to 300,000 pesos in coverage, making healthcare expensive. On average, each policeman incurs around 420,000 pesos in annual expenses, leading many to borrow money or turn to loan sharks. We must protect them legally and in terms of health,” he added.
Santos, representing PSMBFI, stressed that the initiative is a way of showing gratitude and providing security to those who have served the nation for many years.
“This healthcare plan reflects our commitment to the well-being of our members,” Santos said.
The event concluded with the turnover of PSMBFI-MPI healthcare cards, marking the formal launch of the plan, which aims to address the healthcare needs of PNP personnel.
Marbil noted earlier that the health maintenance organization (HMO) cards would be particularly useful for officers in provinces without PNP-run hospitals.
