BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation-Cordillera (PhilHealth-CAR) highlighted the “Pinalawak at mga Bagong Benepisyo para sa Mamamayang Filipino” (PBBM) initiative in ensuring accessible health care services in the region during the recent Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas here.
Aligned with the mandate of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law and in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas campaign, PhilHealth-CAR is dedicated to reaching out to communities as they carry on with the progressive realization of the UHC in the region, Regional Vice President Dr. Dominga Gadgad said.
“PhilHealth-CAR has been at the forefront of initiatives that not only health care coverage but also enhance service delivery for our members,” Gadgad stated.
Under the “Pinalawak” initiative, PhilHealth-CAR sustained membership registration coverage in the region under the National Health Insurance Program with 1,622,607 enrolled members as of July. The number includes direct-paying members, those subsidized by the municipal, provincial, city or national governments, and dependents.
It was also able to collect P1.196 million from its members, from January to July this year Its collection efficiency ensures the continuous delivery of benefits to its mentors and builds stronger partnerships with local government units and the private sector.
“This accomplishment under Pinalawak is a testament to our commitment of broadening the reach of the Universal Health Care in securing the resources needed to support the health needs of every Cordilleran,” Gadgad said.
PhilHealth-CAR has taken significant steps towards implementing the UHC thru the successful release of the first and second tranches of the Primary Care Provider Network (PCPN) of the sandbox frontloaded capitation fund for Baguio City. She shared that the second tranche amounting to P33.25 million was handed over to the LGU of Baguio on September 9, 2024. This is to guarantee better service to the community and empowerment of local health care providers to ensure that quality primary care is accessible to all.
PhilHealth-CAR was also able to successfully rollout the Konsulta Caravan thru the “Bagong Benepisyo” initiative. PhilHealth-CAR joined the Lab4All Konsulta Caravan on May 23, 2023. This initiative was followed by a series of Primary Care Social Mobilization and Marketing Campaigns, also known as Konsulta Service Delivery Caravan. This boosted health care service and access to the people directly including those in the remote areas in Cordillera.
“The Konsulta program not only extends health care access but also fosters collaboration among various national agencies including the DSWD, DOH, DILG, and our dedicated local government units,” Gadgad said.
Several health care providers have been accredited as Konsulta providers to ensure comprehensive outpatient services for all residents.
Gadgad also noted the significant growth in the number of accredited health care facilities in the region, expanding access to quality health care services. She underlined that PhilHealth accreditation is a testament to quality adherence, patient safety, and service excellence, which are all essential components of the UHC.
“Sa PhilHealth walang mahuhuli at walang mapag-iiwanan,” she stated. (JDP/DEG with Betha Servito & Chelsea Domingo-PIA CAR, SLU Interns)
