PhilHealth

PhilHealth XII signs MoU with DOH XII and Cotabato Province 09-13-2024

Kidapawan City – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Department of Health XII and Cotabato Province for the integration of Universal Health Care – Local Health System during the South Cotabato Provincial Health Summit on August 20, 2024.

PhilHealth Regional Vice President Hector Zenon Zeonardo P. Malate together with DOH XII Regional Director Aristides Conception Tan, MD, and South Cotabato Provincial Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Talino- Mendoza were present to sign the agreement that aims to ensure that all South Cotabato residents have access to affordable, equitable, and quality healthcare services.

The Summit underscored the province’s major advancements in enhancing health outcomes and building a resilient healthcare system. Also in attendance were various medical practitioners, healthcare providers, and stakeholders from across the province.

Governor Mendoza highlighted her administration’s efforts to address the healthcare needs of the Cotabateños and stressed that good health is a critical asset and a pathway to a prosperous community. She announced the forthcoming establishment of dialysis centers in M'lang, Balasinag, and the 2nd district.

“We currently operate eight hospitals with a budget of P680 million. We need to downgrade 2 hospitals to become dialysis centers – based on science. We allocated a budget for a feasibility study, we cannot just do it based on gutfeel. There should be basis for it,” the Governor said.

RVP Malate, in his response, emphasized the importance of this tripartite partnership and said, “This MoU epitomizes our collective commitment to ensure that every individual has access to quality health care services regardless of their social economic status. As we unite in this endeavor, let us remember that health is a fundamental human right. Our collaboration today, serves as a powerful testament to what we can achieve when we come together for a greater good.”

Aleosan Mayor Eduardo C. Cabaya, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Eva C. Rabaya, local health officers, senior health nurses, hospital chiefs, and members of the Provincial Health Board and Advisory Council were also in attendance during the summit.