MASBATE CITY (PIA) – An interagency group is calling on newly elected mayors in the Bicol region to ensure that their primary healthcare facilities are accredited as service providers for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.’s (PhilHealth) outpatient benefit package.
The Regional Implementation and Coordination Team (RICT), which is tasked with coordinating and implementing the country’s Universal Health Care (UHC) law in the region, made the appeal through a resolution directed to the regional chapters of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines and the League of Cities of the Philippines.
“Be it resolved, to solicit the support of all local chief executives (LCEs) in the accreditation of their primary care facilities (PCFs) as Konsulta providers, as part of their commitment to ensuring accessible, quality primary healthcare services for all their constituents,” the resolution read.
According to its secretariat, the RICT comprises representatives from regional line agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector, ensuring a broad range of perspectives in decision-making.
RICT oversees the progress and effectiveness of health initiatives, ensuring they are aligned with the Universal Health Care program, according to Esmeralda Suarez, head of RICT secretariat.
It plays a crucial role in putting into action national health policies and programs at the regional level, including the Konsulta Package.
Konsulta provides eligible PhilHealth members with comprehensive outpatient primary care services, including check-ups, health risk screenings, and selected lab tests and medications—all at no cost at their chosen accredited healthcare facility.
In the resolution, the RICT emphasized that the success of the Konsulta program depends on the “active participation and support” of LCEs. They are responsible for ensuring that their health centers are accredited by PhilHealth and that their constituents take advantage of the Konsulta package.
The group highlighted that accrediting PCFs as Konsulta providers is crucial for delivering appropriate and timely medical care to those in underserved areas.
In Masbate, the PhilHealth branch reported that several LGUs still lack an accredited Konsulta provider. Additionally, only a few LGUs with accredited providers are actively encouraging their residents to register for the program.
Norlinda Cervantes-Castillo, the head of the PhilHealth branch, noted that while some LGUs have obtained PhilHealth accreditation for their primary care facilities, they have not implemented the Konsulta package.
She said that some LGU facilities are hesitant to seek accreditation due to a shortage of processing staff.
“Even if PhilHealth is providing numerous benefits through the Konsulta program, its success will be limited if people cannot access these benefits,” Castillo said. (PIA Bicol/Masbate)
