PhilHealth urged: Ensure presence of personnel in Malasakit Centers
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has called on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to maintain a consistent presence of its personnel in all Malasakit Centers nationwide, underscoring the vital role of these centers in ensuring accessible healthcare support for Filipinos in need.
Go, the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 (Republic Act No. 11463), emphasized that PhilHealth’s commitment is essential to the effective delivery of services also mandated under the Universal Health Care Act (Republic Act No. 11223).
“Alam niyo, kapag may sakit na ang mga kababayan natin, huwag na nating dagdagan ang hirap nila. Malaking bagay kung may nakahandang tumulong na PhilHealth personnel sa Malasakit Centers. Hindi natin pwedeng pabayaan ang ating mga kababayan sa oras ng pangangailangan,” Go said, stressing the importance of having representatives on-site to assist with benefit availment and address patients’ concerns promptly.
On October 14, Go’s office received PhilHealth’s formal commitment letter, reiterating the agency’s pledge to comply with the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act.
The letter, which acknowledges PhilHealth’s obligations under the law, also confirms that the agency will deploy personnel to assist in Malasakit Centers across the nation, ensuring patients can efficiently access medical assistance and other benefits.
Go expressed appreciation for the agency’s acknowledgment of its role within Malasakit Centers but underscored that consistent monitoring and responsiveness to patients’ needs are key to upholding the law’s intent.
“Malinaw sa batas na kailangan natin ng accessible, abot-kayang healthcare. At ang Malasakit Center ang unang hakbang para masiguro ito,” Go added.
The Malasakit Centers, which have expanded to 166 locations nationwide, provide a one-stop-shop for Filipinos needing financial assistance to cover medical expenses. More than 15 million Filipinos have already received aid through the program, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
PhilHealth’s commitment to sustained on-ground support in these centers, Go said, is essential to building a seamless healthcare experience for those in need in accordance with the Malasakit Centers Law which considers PhilHealth a key partner agency.
Go noted that by keeping PhilHealth personnel accessible at Malasakit Centers, patients can avoid bureaucratic delays and unnecessary hurdles that may prevent them from receiving immediate assistance.
“Patuloy tayong magtutulungan. Ang malasakit ay hindi dapat maging pangako lang; dapat itong maging bahagi ng sistema. Kapag ang tao’y nangangailangan, naroon tayo. Simple lang ang gusto ko—isang bayan na hindi magpapabaya sa mga may sakit,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, PhilHealth has also officially committed to assure implementation of their promises such as recommending the reduction of premium contributions; increasing case rates; expansion of benefit packages especially for the top 10 mortality diseases; provision of free medicines and assistive devices, such as eyeglasses and wheelchairs; inclusion of dental, visual, emergency and preventive care; as well as updating policies to meet the needs of Filipinos.
