Marcos checks implementation of Philhealth's expanded benefits at Medical City

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday visited The Medical City in Ortigas, Pasig City to check on the implementation of the expanded benefits of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) to reduce Filipinos’ out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.

Marcos shared photos of his visit on his social media accounts.

“We continue to expand access to affordable and quality healthcare for every Filipino. Today, I visited The Medical City to see how expanded Philhealth benefits are helping more Filipinos receive treatment with little to no out-of-pocket expense,” the President said.

“Through these expanded benefits and stronger partnerships with private hospitals, Filipinos can now access world-class care through Philhealth without worrying about overwhelming hospital bills,” he added.

Marcos assured that the government is “making healthcare more accessible, more affordable and closer to the people who need it most.”

In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the expanded Philhealth benefits include improved maternity care packages and outpatient emergency care coverage.

Marcos was accompanied by Philhealth president and chief executive officer (CEO) Dr. Edwin Mercado during the visit to The Medical City.

The President inspected the urgent and non-urgent care areas, as well as the male surgery ward, the mother-and-baby-friendly room, and the female surgery ward.

He also interacted with patients and their families and saw how Philhealth-supported services are delivered to patients, the PCO said.

The hospital’s 51-bed Alfredo R.A. Bengzon Patient Access Ward, in particular, was established to provide accessible and quality healthcare service. Patients at the ward pay few to no fees due to Philhealth’s expanded benefits. — JMA, GMA News