Stop the P90-B Philhealth fund transfer; expand benefits for chronic & non-infectious diseases ––NCD patients

The Healthy Philippines Alliance (HPA), amplifying the voices of its members who are persons living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), demanded the government to stop the transfer of what remains from the P90-B unused funds in Philhealth, return the portion that has already been transferred to the national treasury in recent months, and utilize these funds to immediately expand benefit packages for the treatment of NCDs such as cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and mental health diseases.

“The government needs to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses of Filipinos on health care services by 30% or lower. Philhealth’s unused funds should rightfully be allocated to address current healthcare gaps. The Filipino people, particularly those who are considered indigents, deserve a substantial increase in financial support from the government to prevent, treat, and manage diseases that require long-term care,” said Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, former Health Secretary and co-convenor of the HPA.

The HPA further urged Philhealth to expedite the development and roll out of benefit packages for diseases beyond the 5 major NCDs namely cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and mental health conditions. This means implementing subsidies for the treatment of additional chronic and rare disorders such as rheumatic conditions, psoriatic, and immunologic diseases, among others.

“We urge patient and civil society representation in the Philhealth board to ensure the voice of the patient is reflected in all health-decision making processes. Philhealth funds should be used to expand benefits and reduce out-of-pocket expenses rather than be returned to the national treasury. Health should be seen as an investment in people, families and communities. Our fiscal spending should reflect this fundamental belief that health and economic development are inextricably linked together,” said Karen Villanueva, President of the Philippine Association of Patient Organizations (PAPO), an HPA member organization.

As a matter of fact, Republic Act 11223 or the UHC Law mandates under Section 11 that “the excess of the PhilHealth reserve fund shall be used to increase the Program’s benefits and to decrease the amount of members’ contributions.”

“We should not allow the transfer of Philhealth’s unused funds to push through. It is mainly intended to pay for the health care service needs of Filipinos. Diverting it elsewhere violates the UHC Law and will deprive patients and persons living with NCDs of the increased benefits they desperately need,” said Maria Fatima Villena, Board Member of The Policy Center, also an HPA member organization.

Philhealth’s total unused funds of P90-B will be remitted to the national treasury in tranches. To date, P20 billion had been remitted in May, P10 billion last August, P30 billion will be transferred in October and P29.9 billion in November.

Contact Person :

Mariz Wee

Media Consultant

HealthJustice

0998-885-1080 / +974-669-86655

stelamarieamante@gmail.com

Patricia Loren M. Reyes

Communications Officer

HealthJustice

Healthy Philippines Alliance

+639760085498

plamangune@gmail.com