Manila: Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has called on the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to expand their benefit packages, specifically targeting middle-income contributors. This request was made during a meeting held on January 20 with DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado, focusing on system-wide reforms to improve healthcare affordability and access.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Executive Secretary emphasized the necessity for contributors, especially middle-class Filipinos who consistently fulfill their tax and PhilHealth premium obligations, to receive benefits that accurately reflect their contributions. The meeting also concentrated on enhancing the implementation of zero balance billing, a policy aimed at eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for indigent patients in DOH hospitals, while addressing existing gaps that continue to impose burdens on families despite current coverage.
The DOH reported that it is nearing completion of its Healthcare Provider Network model. This initiative is designed to better support local government units (LGUs) in delivering advanced medical care and aims to improve referral systems under the Universal Health Care law. Recto highlighted the importance of closer coordination among national agencies and LGUs to ensure that healthcare financing reforms provide tangible relief for patients across different income groups.
