Timely assurance
PRESIDENT Marcos has ordered the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure that the services of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) “remain unhampered.”
Marcos issued the order amid fears that PhilHealth’s delivery of its social services may be adversely affected by tne lack of government subsidy in the 2025 national budget.
President Marcos told Health Secretary Teodoro “Teddy” Herbosa that the zero subsidy should not affect the health care services to the people, including non-paying members.
The Chief Executive said the government committed prioritizes delivery of social services, with focus on key sectors.
As in past national budgets, the usual key sectors include education, health, economic services, infrastructure and agriculture.
Under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, PhilHealth, a DOH attached agency, did not receive an allocation for budgetary support.
Note that the state-run health insurer has ample reserve funds that may be used for its operations and health care insurance coverage.
In fact, despite government zero subsidy in this year’s national budget, PhilHealth has announced another expansion of its coverage.
It now allows the payment for emergency procedures and other services for patients who do not need to be confined in a hospital.
Without doubt, the government, through PhilHealth, is doing a great job in meeting the mushrooming health needs of the burgeoning population.
