Iloilo city: Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda is seeking a PHP74.43-billion supplemental appropriation for fiscal year 2025 to ensure the uninterrupted and improved delivery of health services. In her explanatory note for House Bill No. 3733, Baronda highlighted the critical role of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) administered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in providing essential health services.

According to Philippines News Agency, Baronda emphasized the necessity for additional resources due to the increasing population, rising medical costs, and the expansion of benefit packages. She stated that these factors create a pressing need to sustain and enhance PhilHealth coverage. Baronda, who serves as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, filed the bill with the House of Representatives Bills and Index Service on August 14, and the details were later provided to the Philippine News Agency.

The proposed funding includes PHP53.13 billion designated for the health insurance premiums of indirect contributors and their qualified dependents, such as indigents, senior citizens, unemployed persons with disabilities, and financially incapable point-of-service patients. An additional PHP21.17 billion is allocated to enhance the benefit package under the Universal Health Care Law, with improvements such as expanded dialysis coverage, mental health outpatient services, and comprehensive outpatient benefits, including free consultations and drug coverage.

Moreover, the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program will receive PHP127.56 million for the premiums of its beneficiaries. Baronda stated that the additional appropriations aim to bridge funding gaps, prevent service interruptions, and protect more Filipino families from catastrophic health expenses.