News
PhilHealth Marks 15th Year -
February 8, 2010
AS IT celebrates its 15th Anniversary, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) also leads the nation in observing National Health Insurance Month this February.
Through Proclamation 1400, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared February of each year as NHIP Month to stimulate public awareness on the issues involving social health insurance and to encourage PhilHealth's key partners to assume their respective roles to ensure the success of the NHIP.
Over the last 15 years, PhilHealth has introduced major developments in the implementation of the NHIP. These include enhancements in the benefit package, the pursuit of quality standards in hospital care, fraud prevention, establishment of regional and service offices nationwide, and strengthening of its information technology management systems and re-engineering of the organization to enable its human resources to meet the demands of the times.
Considered its most important achievement is the attainment of Universal Coverage by providing health insurance coverage to at least 85 percent of the entire Philippine population. "As long as there is still a Filipino without PhilHealth coverage, we will continue with our advocacy to enroll him into the NHIP," PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Rey B. Aquino said.
Among the 15th Anniversary activities lined up this year are the Press Conference at the Manila Hotel on February 9, the recognition ceremonies for stakeholders to be held at the Philippine International Convention Center on February 12, Work-Life Balance Program for employees, hospital visits, forum series with local chief executives, collecting partners, and employers, and promotional activities for OFW-members.
Since the NHIP is one of the most important manifestations of government's commitment to investing in people, PhilHealth is tasked to undertake intensive information, communication and marketing activities. The government corporation will also continue to formulate and disseminate the necessary guidelines pertaining to various components of the program and encourage private entities, associations and even individuals to mobilize funds for the enrollment of as many individuals who cannot afford to pay their health insurance premium. (END)