Manila: The PHP60-billion in surplus funds, once restored, will strengthen ongoing benefit expansions and ensure faster and more efficient services for the members, an official of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) said Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, PhilHealth Senior Vice President Israel Francis Pargas stated in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview that the return of the fund to the agency is critical in achieving the country’s Universal Health Care (UHC) goals. He emphasized that the surplus will significantly aid the expansion of benefits that have been aggressively increased over the past two years and will continue through 2025.

Pargas noted that while the current funds can manage operations without the PHP60 billion, the restoration of these funds would enhance the capacity and sustainability of PhilHealth’s programs. This includes the GAMOT Program, which provides PHP25,000 worth of free medicines per member annually and aims for a nationwide rollout by late 2025 or early 2026.

The fund will also support initiatives such as free anti-cancer screening at YAKAP clinics and the expansion of benefit packages for conditions like leptospirosis, animal bites, HIV care, and maternity services. Additionally, the fund return is set to bolster the government’s Zero Balance Billing program, reducing patients’ hospital bills in DOH-retained hospitals.

Pargas highlighted that the fund would also facilitate digitalization efforts to improve system efficiency for members. He reassured the public that PhilHealth has implemented strict anti-fraud controls and monitoring systems to ensure transparency and accountability in fund usage.