PhilHealth

Strengthening Healthcare Access in BARMM: PhilHealth and Amai Pak-Pak Medical Center Partner for CABG Coverage 03-17-2025

In a significant step toward improving healthcare access in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Amai Pak-Pak Medical Center (APMC) Heart Institute has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with PhilHealth Regional Office BARMM for the accreditation of the PhilHealth Z Benefit Package for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG). The historic signing ceremony, held on March 3, 2025, in Marawi City, marks a major milestone in the region’s healthcare development.

Expanding Access to Life-Saving Cardiac Care

The agreement enables APMC to offer CABG, a critical procedure for patients with severe heart disease, under the PhilHealth Z Benefit Package. This partnership ensures greater access to high-quality cardiac care while reducing the financial burden associated with life-saving treatments.

The Z Benefit Package, launched by PhilHealth in 2012, provides financial protection for Filipinos suffering from severe or life-threatening conditions that require costly, long-term treatment. By accrediting APMC for CABG services, PhilHealth strengthens healthcare accessibility in BARMM, ensuring that eligible patients receive full financial coverage and significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs.

A Collaborative Effort to Improve Health Outcomes

The MOA signing highlights the critical role of collaboration between healthcare providers and national health programs in addressing the medical needs of underserved communities. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to equitable healthcare access, ensuring that every Filipino—regardless of financial capacity—can receive the treatment they need.

The APMC Heart Institute, known for its excellence in cardiac care, can now serve more patients through the PhilHealth Z Benefit Package. This initiative strengthens BARMM’s healthcare infrastructure and aligns with the government’s broader goal of universal healthcare for all Filipinos.

Datu Masiding M. Alonto, Jr., Regional Vice President of PhilHealth BARMM, underscored the significance of this partnership, stating:

“The signing of the MOA reinforces a longstanding collaboration between APMC and PhilHealth—two institutions united in their mission to improve lives through quality healthcare services.”

Looking Ahead

As PhilHealth continues to expand its Z Benefit Package and strengthen partnerships with accredited healthcare providers, its mission remains clear: enhancing healthcare accessibility across the country, particularly in underserved regions. The accreditation of APMC for CABG services is a major step forward, ensuring that more Filipinos in BARMM can access life-saving cardiac care without financial hardship.

This MOA signing is not just a milestone for APMC and PhilHealth—it is a testament to ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable healthcare system. Through this partnership, BARMM’s healthcare future looks brighter, with more patients set to benefit from life-saving procedures—free from the burden of prohibitive costs.