DOH backs PhilHealth reorganization to fast-track claims, regularize workers

The Department of Health (DOH) is supporting the reorganization of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) as this is expected to help streamline services and improve the delivery of Universal Health Care in the country.

“Suportado ng Department of Health ang inaprubahan ng Governance Commission for GOCC na reorganization ng PhilHealth,” DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said at the Bagong Pilipinas public briefing on Monday. 

(The Department of Health supports the reorganization of PhilHealth approved by the Governance Commission for GOCCs.)

He said that the overhaul, which includes boosting the agency’s manpower and restructuring key units, was long overdue.

PhilHealth is an attached agency of the DOH, with Health Secretary Ted Herbosa sitting as chairman of the PhilHealth Board.

Other members of the board include the secretaries of social welfare and development, labor and employment, budget and management, and finance.

One critical focus of the reorganization is the claims processing unit, which handles hospital reimbursements for services covered by PhilHealth.

“Ang unit na nag-aapruba ng mga claims, dati-dati kulang sa tauhan. Ngayon, dinagdagan," Domingo said.

(The unit that approves claims used to be understaffed. Now, it has been reinforced.)

Delays in processing claims have long affected hospitals and patients. The DOH is hoping that by fast-tracking payments, patients will be less burdened by out-of-pocket expenses.

“Para yung singil ng ospital sa pamilyang Pilipino na nagkasakit ay mas bababa.”

(So that the amount hospitals charge Filipino families will be reduced.)

Domingo added that the reorganization is expected to take about a year due to PhilHealth’s size and reach nationwide.

It also opens the door for long-time job order and contract of service workers to apply for regular positions — a move expected to boost morale and service quality.

“Pag alam nilang secure ang trabaho at merit-based ang selection, mas productive at mas mataas ang kalidad ng serbisyo.”

(When workers know their jobs are secure and selection is merit-based, they become more productive and deliver higher quality service.)

PhilHealth CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado has started meeting with the governance commission to lay down implementation plans.

The DOH sees the reorganization not just as an internal fix but a critical piece in the broader push for Universal Health Care. –NB, GMA Integrated News