PhilHealth's P45-M cash advance to dialysis center not justifiable, says Lacson

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Thursday said nothing could justify the questionable advance payments of PhilHealth to a dialysis center through the Interim Reimbursement Program for COVID-19.

In a statement, Lacson said B. Braun Avitum Philippines Inc. received an aggregate amount of P45 million from the IRM when it "has not catered to a single COVID-19 patient and with such record speed, compared to more deserving HCIs, especially government hospitals catering to COVID patients."

The IRM refers to PhilHealth's cash advances to health care institutions affected by natural disasters, calamities, and other fortuitous events.

Its implementation during the pandemic has been heavily questioned as dialysis centers and maternity clinics have apparently been prioritized, in terms of releases, compared to hospitals that are actually handling COVID-19 cases.

In a Senate hearing on August 4, Lacson revealed that B. Braun Avitum received the following through its different dialysis centers when the Ospital ng Maynila has yet to receive P19.382 million:

• Tondo - P15,382,900 (April 23)
• Tondo - P4,169,750 (April 23)
• Quezon City - P8,946,168 (May 4)
• Quezon City - P5,302,050 (May 4)
• Baguio City - P11,375,650 (May 5)

Further, Lacson said the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) previously issued a certification that  "B. Braun Avitum Dialysis Center Inc." is not a registered corporation.

"Unless they show their documents to the contrary and validated by SEC, I will have to stand by the government agency’s issued document," he said.

Lacson said what is registered in SEC is B. Braun Medical Supplies Inc.

Earlier in the day, the health care institution admitted that it received releases from PhilHealth through IRM and said the fund has enabled it to continue providing quality renal services to dialysis patients amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Such treatment must not be interrupted despite the coronavirus situation, as our patients' lives will be compromised. Together with all other HCIs who have and are receiving IRM funds, B. Braun Avitum is deeply appreciative of the IRM funds received from PhilHealth," its statement read.

It also clarified that it registered with the SEC on December 11, 1985 as B. Braun Medical Supplies, Inc. and that B. Braun Avitum is a wholly-owned subsidiary.

The dialysis services provider was "originally incorporated as Philippine Renal Care, Inc. on 24th January 2002 (Company Registration Number A200201223) and later renamed as B. Braun Avitum Philippines, Inc.," the statement read.

"We are one with the government in its quest for transparency and good governance, and will extend full cooperation in this endeavor," it added. -NB, GMA News