Philhealth Now Covers 82% of the Population --doh

The Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday that 82 percent of the Filipino population now enjoy PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corp.) coverage.

According to DOH Acting Secretary Janette L. Garin, the figure includes the 14.7 million poor and near poor families identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development's "Listahanan" and other members such as those employed in the government, privatelyemployed, individuallypaying or voluntary members, lifetime members, and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Secretary Garin, however, said that one should not remain focused on the number of enrollees alone.

"What is important after two decades of providing service to the people is the provision of quality service afforded to every Filipino, rich and poor alike," she stressed.

She also said that there is a need for increased awareness of PhilHealth members' benefits and wider database which in turn translates to improved utilization of resources.

"Most members are not fully aware of their benefits," she noted.

At the same time, she said that private employers should be encouraged to enroll their employees with PhilHealth because enrollment in the program results to improved and increased productivity of workers.

She explained that being enrolled in the PhilHealth program will give a feeling of security among employees that they have something to "lean on" through tough times in their health conditions or that of any member of the family.

She also called on all stakeholders, including medical societies, legislators, local government units, and other executive officials to work together as PhilHealth cannot do it alone.

"Sustainable Universal Health Care is all about us working together," she stressed.

Other vulnerable members of society now mandated to be...