Manila: The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) recently convened a consultation meeting with private hospital groups and national associations to discuss strategies for increasing healthcare access points. This meeting marks a significant step towards improving healthcare delivery in the Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado led discussions with representatives from various prominent healthcare institutions, including Metro Pacific Health Corp., Mount Grace Hospital Group, Unilab Foundation, AC Health, St. Luke’s Medical Center, The Medical City, Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc., and the Philippine Hospital Association. The primary focus of the meeting was PhilHealth’s dedication to enhancing its operational efficiency, minimizing wastage, and optimizing processes to guarantee that hospitals receive timely payments for their claims.

Mercado and the hospital executives reached a consensus on the need to increase access points for primary care services. “We recognize the significant role that private hospitals play in delivering quality healthcare services to Filipinos. We can only leverage their capacities when we build a sphere of trust and effective coordination,” Mercado stated.

The initiative for hospitals to embrace primary care is expected to expedite the formation of Health Care Provider Networks. This development is integral to bringing Universal Health Care closer to every Filipino, ensuring that healthcare services are more accessible and efficient.

In addition to engaging with private hospitals, Mercado plans to meet with government hospitals managed by the Department of Health and local government units to further streamline healthcare services across the country.