Expanded benefit packages from PhilHealth are now delivering measurable relief to millions of Filipinos by reducing out-of-pocket health expenses and encouraging stronger participation from private hospitals.
PhilHealth President and CEO Edwin Mercado said reforms were showcased during visits with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to St. Elizabeth Hospital Inc. and The Medical City, where patients are already benefiting from expanded coverage.
These include consultations under the Yakap program, dialysis support, cancer treatment, and other life-sustaining services that help ease financial burdens on families.
At The Medical City, officials also inspected a newly opened 51-bed patient access ward designed to provide near-zero out-of-pocket services for PhilHealth members.
Mercado urged more hospitals nationwide to partner with PhilHealth, stressing that the goal is to make quality and accessible health care available to every Filipino.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 19, 2026
