Halos 90 bilyong piso na sobrang pondo ng PhilHealth, saan ba mapupunta?! | Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho

Summary

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) faces controversy over its surplus funds, with the government proposing to redirect nearly 9 billion back to the National Budget for infrastructure. Critics argue this move undermines universal health care, especially for the poor who rely on PhilHealth for medical services. The script highlights the plight of a woman in Cebu who feared hospitalization due to financial constraints, despite needing urgent care. It also discusses the potential impact on benefits for members, including those with chronic illnesses, and the debate on whether the fund reallocation is legal and moral, considering the health sector's struggles during the pandemic and the need for improved healthcare infrastructure.

Takeaways

• 💼 The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has a proposed budget surplus of 0.9 billion, which the government wants to reclaim and redirect from the National budget.
• 🚫 Some are protesting this move, arguing that the excess funds should be used to further improve healthcare services, especially for the needy.
• 🏥 A woman in Cebu City gave birth on the side of the road, fearing she couldn't afford hospital delivery costs, highlighting the issue of accessibility to healthcare for the poor.
• 📉 PhilHealth is responsible for the health coverage of millions of Filipinos, but there are concerns about the allocation of its surplus funds.
• 💹 The surplus funds of PhilHealth are significant, with almost 9 billion in excess, yet there are debates on whether it should be used for healthcare projects or returned to the government.
• 🏢 The Department of Finance has issued an order for PhilHealth to return its surplus funds to the National Treasury to fund other government programs, which has been met with criticism.
• 🤰 A case was highlighted where a mother, a PhilHealth member, faced high medical bills for her child's treatment, questioning the adequacy of the current benefits provided.
• 📈 There have been increases in the benefit packages for certain medical conditions, such as breast cancer and stroke, but there are calls for further expansion of coverage.
• 🏥 Private hospitals have expressed concerns about PhilHealth's proposal to return funds, as they are owed money from the discounts given to patients.
• 🏛️ The debate over the surplus funds involves moral and legal considerations, with some arguing that the money should be used to improve healthcare infrastructure and services.

Q & A

What is the current issue with PhilHealth's budget?

The government is proposing to return 0.9 billion pesos of PhilHealth's surplus funds to the National budget, which some argue should instead be used to further improve healthcare services, especially for the needy.

Why are some people protesting the return of PhilHealth's surplus funds?

They believe the surplus should be used to enhance healthcare services, particularly for those in need, rather than being returned to the government.

What is the situation of the woman who gave birth on the side of the road in Cebu City?

Despite an ambulance being present, the woman refused to go to the hospital due to fear of not having payment, highlighting the need for PhilHealth coverage to extend to such impoverished individuals.

How does PhilHealth aim to assist its members like Alvil?

PhilHealth is supposed to provide significant discounts on hospital bills for its members, which is crucial for those like Alvil who have seen an increase in their premium contributions but are facing high medical costs.

What are the benefits that PhilHealth members are entitled to?

PhilHealth members are entitled to discounts on hospital bills and certain medical services like dialysis for kidney disease patients, radiotherapy for cancer patients, and treatments for conditions such as stroke and newborn sepsis.

Why is there a call to increase PhilHealth's coverage or make hospital expenditures free for the poor?

The call is due to the hardship faced by the poor who cannot afford hospital bills, and it is suggested that increasing coverage or making certain expenditures free would be a better use of PhilHealth's surplus funds.

What is the Department of Finance's stance on the surplus funds of PhilHealth?

The Department of Finance has issued a circular order directing PhilHealth to return its surplus funds to the National Treasury to fund other government programs, arguing that the funds are not being utilized effectively.

What is the Philippine Medical Association's response to the proposed return of PhilHealth funds?

The Philippine Medical Association has filed a temporary restraining order against the return of funds, arguing that it is immoral and against the Universal Health Care Act of 2019.

What are the arguments for using PhilHealth's surplus funds for infrastructure projects?

Proponents argue that the funds should be used for infrastructure to support the broader economy and potentially create jobs, rather than being returned to PhilHealth where they might not be fully utilized.

How does the script highlight the plight of the healthcare sector during the COVID-19 pandemic and other health crises?

The script emphasizes the struggles of the healthcare sector, particularly with the surge in COVID-19 cases, leptospirosis, and dengue, where many citizens cannot afford hospitalization or medication, underscoring the need for better allocation of funds.

What is the public's call to action regarding the management of PhilHealth's funds?

The public is calling on President Bongbong Marcos and Secretary Recto to halt the return of surplus funds and ensure that they are used to address the healthcare sector's needs, especially in light of the ongoing health crises.