“We are definitely not stopping at having Z benefit packages and the quest to introduce more relevant, responsive packages continues.”

This was the message conveyed by PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Alexander A. Padilla in the recently concluded 3rd Kapihan at the PhilHealth Head Office in Pasig City.

Around 30 media partners from The Philippine Star, Business Mirror, Manila Times, Philippine News Agency, Bulgar, Pilipino Mirror, Dyaryo Pinoy, Diaryong Tagalog.net, Remate, Harborscope, PTV 4, UNTV, DZXL-RMN, DWIZ, DZEC, DZRJ, and DWBL attended the Kapihan.

The discussion focused on the new PhilHealth policies on the Z Benefits for Colon and Rectum Cancers.

“Ito po ang ika-12 (Colon Cancer) at 13 (Rectum Cancer) Z benefit packages na dinevelop ng PhilHealth,” Padilla added.

The PhilHealth Chief also explained that PhilHealth covers treatment for early up to stage 3 of the said diseases, with benefit amounts ranging from P150,000 to P400,000.

Dr. Israel Francis A. Pargas, OIC-Vice President for Corporate Affairs Group, for his part, discussed the criteria for the Z benefit package for colon and rectum cancers. He also mentioned that PhilHealth does not only limit its partnership with selected reference and contracted government hospitals, but now opens its doors to private hospitals as well to increase accessibility and provide more options for its members.

Also present to provide additional insights on the selections criteria and other technical details of the Z benefit packages was Dr. Melanie Santillan, Head of the Product Team for Special Benefits.

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Other issues raised by the media representatives pertain to the number of eye clinics being investigated on, registration of senior citizens, updating member records, extension of dialysis sessions from 45 to 90 days, contracting hospitals for colorectal cancer and graphic warning on cigarettes, among others.

Kapihan with the PCEO is a quarterly activity of the Corporate Communication Department, designed as an informal gathering between the President and CEO, and selected members of the national media and aims to encourage healthy exchange of ideas and insights on latest developments in the NHIP in a casual mood (Emy M. Retuta)