The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) reported that its expanded benefit packages are now significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses for millions of Filipinos, with stronger participation from private hospitals supporting improved access to care.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and PhilHealth president and CEO Edwin Mercado recently visited hospitals in Manila to observe how programs like primary care consultations, dialysis, and cancer treatments are benefiting patients.
At The Medical City in Ortigas, officials showcased a new 51-bed patient access ward designed to provide PhilHealth members with minimal to no additional costs, highlighting stronger public-private healthcare collaboration.
Mercado said the reforms aim to ensure that every Filipino feels included in the healthcare system and emphasized that success will be measured by lives improved rather than hospital facilities built.
PhilHealth also urged more private hospitals and clinics nationwide to join its expanding benefit programs to further improve healthcare accessibility.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 20, 2026
