News Archive 2003
PhilHealth signs MOA with PNP - July 14, 2003
THE government’s premiere health insurance agency has tied up with the police force in apprehending suspects in activities that have defrauded the country of millions of pesos in medical care benefits.
In recent ceremonies held in Camp Crame in Quezon City, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have formalized their commitment to help promote a fraud-free health insurance program for all Filipinos.
“We are glad to have the PNP as our partner in ensuring that our members’ contributions to the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) are not lost to fraudulent claims being perpetrated by certain groups,” said PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Francisco T. Duque III. “After all, it is our utmost desire to protect the fund which our members have entrusted to us.”
Through a memorandum of agreement, PhilHealth and the PNP have agreed to work closely to properly address the alarming increase in PhilHealth’s losses incurred yearly due to the proliferation of fraudulent claims and illegal activities within the health insurance industry.
Among the fraudulent cases being integrated are the proliferation of fake PhilHealth cheques being encashed in accredited banks and rediscounted in commercial establishments nationwide, claims for overlapping confinements in accredited hospitals, double filing of claims, non-remitting employers, as well as internal matters involving PhilHealth employees.
Under the MOA, PhilHealth will give the PNP a comprehensive report on various fraudulent transactions it has uncovered for the PNP’s further investigation, surveillance and even apprehension of suspects.
The PNP will also provide police assistance and/or visibility to PhilHealth officials when they conduct hospital inspections in various parts of the country to speed up the investigation of cases and prevent harassment. The PNP will also conduct seminars for PhilHealth officials and employees to further increase their awareness in detecting forged/counterfeit documents, undertaking surveillance or undercover investigation activities.
On the other hand, PhilHealth will provide the logistic support that the PNP needs to enable it to undertake its activities efficiently and effectively.
“We hope that this partnership will redound to a more vigilant public, especially where their medical care privileges and benefits are concerned,” Duque said.