Presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has urged the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to make reimbursement claims faster and easier for private hospitals.
He made the appeal following the announcement of seven private hospitals in Iloilo that they will formally withdraw their accreditation with PhilHealth starting next year.
The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) standard-bearer affirmed Philhealth’s crucial role in this time of the pandemic as he prodded the state insurer to hasten its payments.
“The people really need them now so it’s important that they fix their problem. Above all, the people will be affected if the private hospitals leave PhilHealth. Speed up the process because this is a public service,” Marcos said.
He also called on PhilHealth to fulfill its commitment to settling unpaid claims before the year ends.
“Hopefully this will happen because the proper coordination of PhilHealth and private hospitals in this time of pandemic is crucial,” Marcos said.
Dr. Jose Rene De Grano, president of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPi), said private hospitals from National Capital Region (NCR), Quezon Province, Northern Luzon, and General Santos City had expressed their intention to follow the decision made by the seven Iloilo hospitals.
Marcos lamented that Filipinos would be severely affected by the situation as health services would suffer should the withdrawal from PhilHealth’s accreditation push through.
Once private hospitals decide to withdraw, patients will have to shoulder 100 percent of their medical fees and follow-up consultations out of pocket.
“It is very important that our countrymen who need help have a place to run, especially during this time of pandemic. These unpaid claims will affect the supposed good service provided by private hospitals. PhilHealth must improve their relationship with private hospitals. Make sure they get paid so as not to disrupt and affect health care facilities,” Marcos said.
