Red Cross' halt of PhilHealth-funded COVID tests to decrease PHL’s testing output -Dizon

National Action Plan against COVID-19 deputy chief implementer Vince Dizon on Friday said the Philippines' testing capacity would decrease following the decision of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to stop its COVID-19 testing chargeable to PhilHealth.

"Napakalaking bagay ang paghinto ng Red Cross. So, aasahan natin na bababa ang testing output natin dahil sa pagsara ng Red Cross dito sa mga araw na ito hangga't hindi masettle 'yung issue sa PhilHealth," Dizon said at a press conference.

The Red Cross recently announced that it would no longer accept tests chargeable to the state insurer due to its mounting debts.

It said the stoppage of the PhilHealth-funded COVID-19 testing would last until the state health insurer pays its overdue balance of P930,993,000.

Dizon expressed confidence that the "administrative" issue would soon be resolved.

PhilHealth is now coordinating with the Red Cross regarding the matter as it recognizes the latter as an "important partner," especially in time of health crisis.—AOL, GMA News