WilbertHealthAdvocacy

Public Hospitals Need Upgrades to Support New PhilHealth Benefits

Filipino patients availing expanded PhilHealth benefits in a rural hospital.

Public Hospitals Need Upgrades to Support New PhilHealth Benefits Hospital Upgrades Critical for Expanded PhilHealth Benefits Congressman Wilbert Lee has called for urgent improvements in public hospitals to align with the expanded PhilHealth benefits. Speaking at a recent House Committee on Health hearing, Lee emphasized that while PhilHealth benefits have been increased, the lack of equipment and infrastructure in public hospitals hinders the delivery of services to millions of Filipinos. “Masasayang ang PhilHealth benefits kung wala namang pasilidad na kayang magbigay ng serbisyong kailangan ng pasyente,” Lee said. He pointed out that hospitals in rural areas are particularly under-equipped, leaving patients with no choice but to travel long distances for diagnostic tests.   Bridging the Gap Between PhilHealth Benefits and Healthcare Access Lee underscored the importance of equipping public hospitals with essential tools such as PET scans, CT scans, and MRI machines to ensure all Filipinos can utilize their PhilHealth benefits. “Maraming Pilipino ang hindi bumabalik sa ospital kapag sinabing kailangan ng CT scan dahil mahal at malayo. Kung may kagamitan ang public hospitals, mas madali nilang mapakinabangan ang PhilHealth,” he explained. The congressman noted that while PhilHealth benefits now cover a wide range of treatments and services—including free dialysis, expanded cancer treatment, and outpatient emergency care—hospitals must be ready to accommodate these needs.   Reforms to Enhance Public Hospital Services In addition to infrastructure upgrades, Lee pushed the institution of amnesty for hospitals and healthcare providers with unresolved PhilHealth claims. He highlighted that minor errors, such as late filings, often result in hefty penalties and suspensions, which limit hospital operations and affect patients relying on PhilHealth benefits. PhilHealth President Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. supported Lee’s proposals, stating, “These reforms will address systemic problems and improve healthcare access for Filipinos.” Lee also called for a stronger information campaign to educate Filipinos about their PhilHealth benefits and how to maximize them.   #PhilHealthBenefits #HealthcareAccess #PublicHospitalReforms #BetterHealthcare #PhilHealthCoverage Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 23 Jan 2025 Public Hospitals Need Upgrades to Support New PhilHealth Benefits 20 Jan 2025 Lee Calls for More Equipment, Improved Hospitals to Fully Realize PhilHealth Benefits 15 Jan 2025 LEE DEMANDS DOH TO PROVIDE MORE EQUIPMENT IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS, SEEKS AMNESTY ON HOSPITALS, DOCTORS WITH UNRESOLVED CASES Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News