Accessible and affordable healthcare is a cornerstone of the government’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, and PhilHealth’s Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) Program is turning this vision into reality.
With the recent accreditation of the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) as a Konsulta provider, thousands of residents in the Ilocos Region now have better access to vital primary healthcare services.
“We encourage every eligible member to register and take full advantage of these free and essential health services to improve their well-being,” PhilHealth spokesperson Dr. Gino De Guzman said.
The accreditation of ITRMC as a Konsulta provider strengthens the region’s healthcare system.
Situated in San Fernando City, La Union, ITRMC is a vital referral center in the Ilocos Region, offering primary care benefits under the Konsulta Program, which includes free consultations, laboratory tests, and medicines.
Dr. Eduardo Badua, Medical Center Chief of ITRMC, says that high-cost procedures like ultrasound and mammogram services are now accessible without additional expenses, ensuring financial relief for families and promoting early detection of health conditions.
“This is an opportunity to strengthen our connection with communities and ensure that basic health needs are met,” Badua said.
Healthcare boon for rural areas
Region 1 residents, especially those in rural and underserved areas, often face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, with financial constraints and distance to medical facilities hindering many from seeking timely care.
The Konsulta Program aims to bridge this gap by providing essential health services at no additional cost to PhilHealth members and their dependents.
PhilHealth Konsulta, as mandated by the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, ensures equitable access to outpatient healthcare services for all Filipinos. The program specifically aims to:
- Protect the health of every Filipino against chronic illnesses;
- Avoid complications through early detection; and
- Provide affordable drugs and medicines.
Marnie Aquino, a 45-year-old resident of San Fernando City, shared that PhilHealth’s Konsulta Program enabled her to access healthcare services that were previously beyond her reach.
“I couldn’t afford a mammogram before, but with PhilHealth’s Konsulta Program, I was able to get checked for free. It gave me peace of mind knowing I could take care of my health without worrying about the cost,” Aquino said.
These procedures, which typically cost P1,000 to P3,000 in private clinics, are now available to qualified members, alleviating financial strain while encouraging preventive healthcare practices.
By addressing health issues early, the program reduces the long-term costs of treatment and enhances overall health outcomes.
Provision of healthcare linkages
PhilHealth La Union Chief Raymund Maningding emphasized that the Konsulta Program empowers members by giving them the freedom to register with accredited healthcare providers of their choice, ensuring more accessible and personalized healthcare services.
“We’ve made the registration process as simple and accessible as possible, ensuring that even those in remote areas can easily enroll and benefit from our services,” Maningding said.
Registration is straightforward and can be completed online through the PhilHealth portal or at designated local offices, ensuring inclusivity.
Under the PhilHealth Konsulta, all Filipinos registered with an accredited provider can avail of the following benefits:
- Consultation
- Health Risk Screening and Assessment
- Selected Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests
- Selected Drugs and Medicines
Once registered, members can access free consultations, diagnostics, and selected medicines, including blood pressure monitoring, urinalysis, fasting blood sugar tests, and maintenance medicines for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
Healthcare service expansion
With ITRMC’s accreditation, the program’s reach in Region 1 is significantly expanded, offering residents more options to avail of these life-saving services.
San Fernando City, La Union Mayor Hermenegildo Gualberto meanwhile highlighted the importance of collaboration to advance the well-being of the community through the initiative.
“This partnership is a testament to our collective effort in promoting public health and ensuring no one is left behind,” Gualberto said.
PhilHealth Regional Office 1 is ramping up its information drive to boost awareness and enrollment in the Konsulta Program, collaborating with local governments and leveraging social media, community orientations, and health caravans to reach members effectively.
As PhilHealth rolls out the Konsulta Program nationwide, sustained collaboration among healthcare providers, local governments, and community stakeholders will be crucial.
The accreditation of ITRMC sets a benchmark for other healthcare facilities to follow, bringing the government closer to achieving its goal of universal healthcare for all Filipinos. (AMB/CCMT/AIHR/PIA Region 1)
