The Malacañang called for an investigation into a viral incident involving a patient’s death after having reportedly been denied financial assistance due to technicalities in PhilHealth’s policies.
In a press conference, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified that outpatient care is shouldered by the health insurance corporation. If the patient’s family had not been properly guided regarding PhilHealth benefits, personnel involved must be investigated.
“Tandaan po natin, ang outpatient po, ay covered po ito ng PhilHealth. So kung mayro’n man mga tao na hindi po na-explain ng mabuti ang coverage ng PhilHealth, ‘yan po ay dapat na maimbestigahan,” she told the press.
Castro stressed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been diligently working to improve the country’s healthcare system, and will not condone the improper implementation of its policies.
“Alam na alam po natin kung paano po nagpupursige ang Pangulo natin para po mapaganda ang healthcare ng bansa. Nandiyan na po ang Zero Balance Billing, nandiyan na rin po ang pagpapalaki ng coverage sa PhilHealth,” she said.
“Hindi po nais ng Pangulo na dapat na mga kababayan natin ay nabibigyan po ng ayuda pag dating po sa kalusugan nila pero hindi naibibigay dahil sa maling pagi-implement. Hindi po iyan nais ng Pangulo,” she added.
Addressing PhilHealth personnel, Castro appealed for a more extensive understanding of PhilHealth policy coverage.
“Sa ganitong pagkakataon po, talaga pong dapat maimbestigahan at tayo rin po ay nagsasabi na rin sa lahat ng mga taga-PhilHealth… sana po ay maging aware kayo sa lahat ng coverage para po ibigay niyo po ‘yung tamang information sa ating mga kababayan dahil kung mali po ang maibibigay niyong impormasyon, maaari po itong makaapekto sa ating mga kababayan,”
The press officer said they have yet to identify the individuals responsible for the incident.
The issue stems from a viral social media post shared by Maria Lourdes Sulit, the widow of a deceased patient. According to Sulit, she was informed by PhilHealth personnel that her husband was ineligible for aid due to the 24-hour confinement rule.
