News
In support of Millennium Development Goals
PhilHealth Introduces New Benefit Packages - July 19, 2006
IN an unprecedented move, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
(PhilHealth) has approved the coverage of several diseases and
procedures as espoused by the United Nations Millennium Development
Goals (MDG).
In its most recent meeting, the PhilHealth Board of Directors
chaired by Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III, approved
the coverage of the following diseases/procedures:
| • | Maternity Care Package for the Third Normal Spontaneous Delivery |
| • | Newborn Care Benefit Package |
| • | Outpatient Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Benefit and |
| • | Outpatient Malaria Benefit Package |
Dr. Eduardo P. Banzon, PhilHealth’s Vice President for Health Finance Policy Services outlines the rationale behind the approval of the above stated benefits. "All of these packages are in line with the commitment of our country to the UN Millennium Development Goals for which we are one of the signatories," adding that based on burden of disease studies, "these diseases and procedures have the most significant economic impact on a developing country like ours."
Banzon said that the Maternity Care Package for the
Third Normal Spontaneous Delivery (NSD) was approved
after PhilHealth noted an improved access of mothers to quality
maternity care in both hospital and non-hospital facilities
after PhilHealth approved the coverage of the 1st and 2nd NSDs.
This is likewise in support of the UN Millenium Development
Goal of reducing the Maternal Mortality Ratio.
On the other hand, the Newborn Care Benefit Package
is in support of the UN’s goal of reducing infant mortality
and under-five mortality. The package shall consist of the first
dose of Hepatitis B vaccination, newborn screening tests, eye
prophylaxis, umbilical cord care, Vitamin K, and thermal care.
Similarly, the Outpatient Human Immunodeficiency Virus
(HIV) - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Benefit
and the Outpatient Malaria Benefit Package
are in support of the UN’s goal to halt and begin to reverse
the incidence of HIV/AIDS and malaria, respectively, by 2015.
"These benefit packages have been approved for implementation
and we will announce its effectivity soon," Banzon
said.
One UN Millennium Development Goal which PhilHealth begun covering
in 2003 is Tuberculosis (TB). At present, PhilHealth has 220
accredited TB - Directly Observed Treatment ShortCourse (TB-DOTS)
clinics nationwide and intends to include TB-DOTS among the
services to be provided by its 919 accredited Rural Health Units
(RHUs). "PhilHealth is only as good as the benefits
it provides to its members. And the benefits PhilHealth provides
should be those with the most significant impact in our overall
health goals", Banzon stressed.