CEBU CITY — On August 9, 2024, a significant meeting took place at the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) Regional Office 7 in Cebu City. The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and PHIC Regional Office 7 discussed the plan to have the Moalboal Senior Citizens Community Care Center (SC3C) accredited for Konsulta services for the elderly.
Representing PHIC were Regional Vice President Marjorie Cabrieto and Accreditation Officer Dr. Maria Eliza A. Batucan. They engaged in a productive dialogue with NCSC’s Commissioner Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, who spearheaded the initiative to ensure the Moalboal SC3C becomes a model for elderly care services in the country.
The Moalboal SC3C, being the first to be established in the country, is now also set to be the pilot center for this accreditation, marking a significant step in enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality for senior citizens. The Konsulta program aims to provide comprehensive outpatient care services, and its inclusion at the SC3C will ensure that elderly residents receive timely and appropriate medical attention.
Commissioner Dr. Mary Jean Loreche also highlighted NCSC’s proposals presented to the top executives of PHIC at their national office the previous week. These proposals include the inclusion of coverage for Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests for males and screening for geriatric syndromes within a geriatric wellness package. These initiatives are geared towards improving preventive care and early detection of health issues among senior citizens.
During the meeting, both parties expressed their commitment to advancing the health and well-being of the elderly. Regional Vice President Cabrieto and Dr. Batucan emphasized PHIC’s support for the accreditation of the Moalboal SC3C and the broader proposals of the NCSC. They recognized the importance of such collaborations in fostering a healthcare system that is responsive to the needs of senior citizens.
The Moalboal SC3C’s accreditation for Konsulta services is anticipated to be a transformative development in elderly care, setting a new standard for community-based healthcare services for senior citizens in the Philippines. (NCSC)
