Senator Bong Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, commended the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) decision to expand its hemodialysis package from 90 to 156 sessions considering the thousands of Filipinos in need of dialysis treatments.
“This is a step in the right direction towards providing better healthcare for all. With the increased coverage, more patients can now access life-saving dialysis treatment without being burdened by huge-sum of expenses,” Go said in an interview in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur.
Hemodialysis, a vital treatment for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease, has proven to be financially burdensome for many Filipino families.
Recognizing this issue, PhilHealth has taken a crucial step forward by expanding its hemodialysis package.
The move aligns with the government’s Universal Health Care program, which aims to ensure that all Filipinos have access to affordable and quality healthcare services.
Under PhilHealth Circular 2023-009, chronic kidney disease stage 5 patients will receive payment of P2,600 per session or a total of P405,600 per year.
Under PhilHealth Circular 2023-009, chronic kidney disease stage 5 patients will receive payment of P2,600 per session or a total of P405,600 per year.
By increasing the number of annual dialysis sessions, PhilHealth’s enhanced hemodialysis package ensures that more Filipinos will be able to receive the necessary treatment they need to effectively manage their condition.
The legislator said the initiative does not only address the financial strain faced by patients and their families but also underscores the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access across the country.
“Unang-una, kaka-approve lang po ng improved package ng PhilHealth for hemodialysis, mula po sa 90 sessions magiging 156 sessions na po ito. Para po ito sa mga kababayan natin na mayroong stage 5 na kidney disease at kailangan po ng dialysis,” the lawmaker said.
“Mahirap pong magkaproblema sa kidney, tulungan po natin sila na magkaroon ng mga free dialysis session.”
“Mahirap pong magkaproblema sa kidney, tulungan po natin sila na magkaroon ng mga free dialysis session. In fact, nag-file din po ako ng bill nito sa Senado while aprubado na rin po ang improved package ng PhilHealth for hemodialysis,” the senator added.
He has previously filed Senate Bill No. 190 also known as the “Free Dialysis Act of 2022”. If approved, the bill will require PhilHealth, in consultation with the Health Technology Assessment Council, to develop a comprehensive dialysis benefit package that shall fully cover all costs of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis treatments, sessions and procedures done in PhilHealth accredited-health facilities.
Meanwhile, Go encouraged the public to take advantage of the expanded coverage and urged individuals to stay informed about the healthcare benefits available to them.
He emphasized the importance of early detection and management of chronic kidney disease, underscoring the need for regular check-ups and healthy lifestyle practices.
Moreover, Go has consistently pushed for an increase in the government subsidy for PhilHealth to ensure uninterrupted healthcare coverage for members. His efforts gained support from his fellow lawmakers resulting in the approval of a budget that is in line with PhilHealth’s objectives.
“Ako naman bilang senador, talagang isinulong natin ito, itong special provisions sa 2023 GAA to use the increase of P21 billion we allocated na subsidy for PhilHealth, for the improvement ng kanilang mga benefit packages, including po ‘yung para sa mga dialysis at medical, including (din) po ‘yung mental health coverage po,” he explained.
“Asahan n’yo po bilang chairman ng Committee on Health, gagawin ko po ang lahat ng aking makakaya at ang apela ko po sa PhilHealth na siguraduhin natin na up to the last centavo, nagagamit po ang pondo ng taumbayan at walang masayang dahil bawat piso, bawat sentimo ay napakahalaga po ‘yan,” Go concluded.
