PhilHealth Regional Office – NCR Vice President Dr. Bernadette Lico (2R) and DOH MMCHD Regional Director Dr. Aleli Annie Grace Sudiacal (2L) lead the MOU signing between two agencies to expand the coverage of the Konsulta Program in NCR. (Photo Courtesy: MMCHD)
QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – The PhilHealth Regional Office – National Capital Region (PRO-NCR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Health – Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMCHD) to further amplify the promotion of the Konsultasyong Sulit Tama (Konsulta) Program.
“The collaborative efforts outlined in the document are expected to result in improved health outcomes, reduced financial barriers to healthcare access, and a more robust healthcare system in the National Capital Region and beyond,” said MMCHD Regional Director Dr. Aleli Annie Grace Sudiacal.
“We put emphasis on preventive care. When people have access to regular check-ups and screenings, potential health issues can be identified and addressed early, often preventing costly and painful treatments down the road. This approach not only save lives but also reduces the overall burden on the healthcare system,” she added.
The Konsulta Program is an initiative aimed at providing equitable healthcare coverage to Filipinos towards the advancement of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law. It also primarily seeks to make primary care services financially accessible through the expansion of insurance coverages and subsidies as well as the number of accredited health facilities.
“The PhilHealth Konsulta Program has been a beacon of hope for countless individuals, particularly those in underserved communities who have long struggled with limited access to quality healthcare services,” said PRO-NCR Vice President Dr. Bernadette Lico.
“Together, let us drive positive change in our healthcare system – delivering hope and help to those who need it most – and may this MOU between PhilHealth NCR and DOH-MMCHD be the cornerstone of a healthier and more prosperous Philippines for all,” she further remarked.
Under the MOU, the two key agencies in the healthcare landscape of the country will work closely together to facilitate the increase of UHC Integration Sites, a digital learning network which serves as a mechanism for the translation of the UHC Law into relevant programs.
In addition, the PRO-NCR and DOH-MMCHD will also strive to invest in the establishment of additional primary care infrastructure while strengthening the recruitment and training of local primary care providers.
Further, the MOU will anchor the joint endeavors of the said agencies in terms of the implementation of effective referral systems towards ensuring that patients receive timely medical attention and necessary specialized care.
Among the services under the Konsulta Package include free medical consultation, thirteen (13) primary laboratory tests, and medicines for Diabetes, Hypertension, Asthma, Allergy, as well as select antibiotics.
To avail of these, Filipinos are only required to register to the Konsulta Program by visiting the PhilHealth Member Portal or the nearest Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO). (MMCHD/PIA-NCR)
