Public health expert Dr. Tony Leachon urged Congress to implement stronger oversight and increased funding for PhilHealth, warning that current allocations are insufficient to fully support universal healthcare in the Philippines.

In a recent DZRH “Special on Saturday” interview, Dr. Leachon emphasized the need for quarterly reporting by PhilHealth to both the House and Senate Committees on Health, ensuring transparency in the use of funds.

“Kapag hindi natin na-follow up, hindi natin na-challenge. Alam mo, alam mo, sa pag-attend ng civil society, including myself, napapataas natin yung mga benepisyo or case rates,” he said.

Dr. Leachon highlighted gaps in coverage for essential treatments. He said that case rates for procedures such as angioplasty, chemotherapy, cancer treatments, MRI, and CT scans should be expanded.

He also suggested increasing the coverage for stroke treatment from PHP 80,000 to PHP 200,000 to meet actual healthcare needs.

“May data ang World Bank [na] ang Pilipinas ang pangatlo sa [may] pinakamataas na babayaran pagka ikaw na hospital, tinalo lang tayo ng Myanmar at Cambodia. Ngayon, yung Thailand, na kasabayan lang natin, ay 9% lang ang binabayad. Middle income countries, tayo 46 to 50% and even higher. Yan ho ang problema natin,” Dr. Leachon noted.

He added that many Filipinos rely solely on PhilHealth and often face financial hardship or debt to cover medical expenses.

“Our PhilHealth funds should be doubled to address real healthcare needs. This year, the target should be around PHP 200 billion, considering past shortfalls and pending contributions from agencies like PAGCOR and PCSO,” he said.

Dr. Leachon stressed that stronger funding and oversight are crucial for protecting the health and financial security of ordinary Filipinos and achieving the goals of universal healthcare.