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Advocates Philippines
'Galit Ang Mga Tao!': Public Outrage Ends PhilHealth's 24-Hour Rule As Senator Bong Go Leads Push For Health Reforms
Photo credit: Senate PH
Healthcare is always a hot-button issue in the Philippines, but nothing stoked public frustration quite like PhilHealth’s now-defunct 24-hour confinement rule. This policy, which required patients to be confined for at least a day to avail of coverage for emergency outpatient services, has long been criticized as unfair and anti-poor.
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go wasted no time calling it out, saying, “Kalokohan (ito) at anti-poor,” while urging PhilHealth to fast-track reforms that truly serve the public. His strong words struck a chord with many Filipinos who have felt the sting of the system’s inefficiencies firsthand.
Voices of Frustration
Filipinos flooded online spaces to share their experiences. Jo-Ed expressed anger over perceived corruption, saying, “Tama po, sir. Sana po gawin ng PhilHealth 'yan kaysa mapunta lang sa korapsyon ang pera.”
Jamil highlighted the unfairness of the rule: “Opo, dapat itong tanggalin kasi maraming hindi natutulungan kapag hindi umabot ng 24 hours. Kawawa ‘yung mga pasyente lalo na kung namatay, kailangan pang mailabas agad.”
Others pointed out the lack of focus on preventive care. Aldagate emphasized, “Dapat nga mas nagpo-focus sila sa preventive care… Mas healthy ang miyembro, mas mabuti dahil mababawasan ang gastos sa beneficiaries at health insurance.”
Malasakit Centers: A Lifeline
While PhilHealth’s limitations often leave patients struggling, Senator Go’s Malasakit Centers have stepped up to fill the gaps. For Manilhynn, these centers were a lifesaver when her family faced mounting medical bills under the old rule.
“Buti na lang talaga may Malasakit Center. Zero balance kami dahil doon. Maraming salamat, Bong Go, sa malasakit n’yo sa mahihirap,” she shared.
A Step Forward
During a Senate Committee on Health hearing chaired by Senator Go, PhilHealth’s Executive Vice President Eli Dino Santos confirmed the repeal of the 24-hour confinement rule, calling it a move toward dismantling anti-poor policies.
Santos explained, “We have already removed this through the expanded coverage for emergency and urgent care package.” Official guidelines on this updated policy are expected soon.
More Reforms Needed
Despite this progress, Filipinos are clear: there’s still a long way to go. From slow claims processing to inadequate hospital funding, the systemic issues within PhilHealth remain a source of frustration.
As DCI Car Rentals put it, “The problem with our health insurance system… is that they are better at aggressive collection of insurance fees but too slow… when we process insurance claims.”
Senator Go’s Commitment
The repeal of the 24-hour rule is just one step in Senator Go’s broader push for health reforms. He’s vowed to keep advocating for expanded benefits, lower premiums, and free medical resources for Filipinos.
“Bilang lingkod-bayan, sisiguraduhin ko na ang bawat Pilipino ay may access sa maayos na serbisyong pangkalusugan,” Go said.
With the voices of frustrated Filipinos pushing for change, Go’s efforts signal hope for a future where healthcare is genuinely accessible for all.
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go wasted no time calling it out, saying, “Kalokohan (ito) at anti-poor,” while urging PhilHealth to fast-track reforms that truly serve the public. His strong words struck a chord with many Filipinos who have felt the sting of the system’s inefficiencies firsthand.
Voices of Frustration
Filipinos flooded online spaces to share their experiences. Jo-Ed expressed anger over perceived corruption, saying, “Tama po, sir. Sana po gawin ng PhilHealth 'yan kaysa mapunta lang sa korapsyon ang pera.”
Jamil highlighted the unfairness of the rule: “Opo, dapat itong tanggalin kasi maraming hindi natutulungan kapag hindi umabot ng 24 hours. Kawawa ‘yung mga pasyente lalo na kung namatay, kailangan pang mailabas agad.”
Others pointed out the lack of focus on preventive care. Aldagate emphasized, “Dapat nga mas nagpo-focus sila sa preventive care… Mas healthy ang miyembro, mas mabuti dahil mababawasan ang gastos sa beneficiaries at health insurance.”
Malasakit Centers: A Lifeline
While PhilHealth’s limitations often leave patients struggling, Senator Go’s Malasakit Centers have stepped up to fill the gaps. For Manilhynn, these centers were a lifesaver when her family faced mounting medical bills under the old rule.
“Buti na lang talaga may Malasakit Center. Zero balance kami dahil doon. Maraming salamat, Bong Go, sa malasakit n’yo sa mahihirap,” she shared.
A Step Forward
During a Senate Committee on Health hearing chaired by Senator Go, PhilHealth’s Executive Vice President Eli Dino Santos confirmed the repeal of the 24-hour confinement rule, calling it a move toward dismantling anti-poor policies.
Santos explained, “We have already removed this through the expanded coverage for emergency and urgent care package.” Official guidelines on this updated policy are expected soon.
More Reforms Needed
Despite this progress, Filipinos are clear: there’s still a long way to go. From slow claims processing to inadequate hospital funding, the systemic issues within PhilHealth remain a source of frustration.
As DCI Car Rentals put it, “The problem with our health insurance system… is that they are better at aggressive collection of insurance fees but too slow… when we process insurance claims.”
Senator Go’s Commitment
The repeal of the 24-hour rule is just one step in Senator Go’s broader push for health reforms. He’s vowed to keep advocating for expanded benefits, lower premiums, and free medical resources for Filipinos.
“Bilang lingkod-bayan, sisiguraduhin ko na ang bawat Pilipino ay may access sa maayos na serbisyong pangkalusugan,” Go said.
With the voices of frustrated Filipinos pushing for change, Go’s efforts signal hope for a future where healthcare is genuinely accessible for all.
Dec 29, 2024
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