IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is gearing up for a more efficient and accessible healthcare system through digitalization, a priority initiative under newly appointed President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Edwin Mercado.
efforts during the first Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas episode of 2025.
During the recent Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas in Zamboanga Peninsula, PhilHealth-9 Public Relations Officer Philip Cataylo highlighted that digital transformation will improve services and lessen inefficiencies.
“One of the key priorities he [Mercado] is looking into is digitalization. If implemented, it will expedite services and help detect red flags. His directive is to reduce inefficiencies in the system,” Cataylo said.
For members, this means less paperwork and quicker access to benefits. They will soon be able to apply, update information, and check claims online—saving time and expenses.
This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s call for digital transformation in government agencies, recognizing its potential to improve service delivery.
Aside from digitalization, PhilHealth-9 also introduced new benefits, including outpatient mental health services, preventive oral health services, and pediatric optometric services for children among others.
With these developments, PhilHealth solidifies its commitment to universal healthcare, ensuring that members receive faster and more accessible services.
Jacobo Maria Mendoza, head of the Benefit Administration Section PhilHealth-9, assured the public of the agency’s continuous efforts to enhance healthcare access.
“PhilHealth is here to stay. We assure you that we will further expand PhilHealth benefits for you,” Mendoza affirmed. (EDT/RBI/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)
