By Tracy Cabrera
MALACAÑAN, Manila — Well into the rainy season when cases of water-borne diseases are expected to increase, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has decided to expand coverage of moderate to severe cases of leptospirosis for more patients to access treatment.
According to Palace press officer and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) undersecretary Clarissa ‘Claire’ Castro-Seechung, the move is in alignment with President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (PBBM)’s directive to assuage the medical expenses of most Filipinos.
Under the expanded coverage, the hospital care package has been raised to ₱63,000, while hemodialysis was increased to ₱170,000 and peritoneal dialysis to ₱230,000.
Accordingly, the overall benefit can also reach ₱411,000 for qualified patients who need a combination of hemodialysis, mechanical ventilation, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
PhilHealth likewise disclosed that medical consultations will be provided for free at Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) providers where prescriptions for doxycycline against leptospirosis can be obtained if needed.
Also included under the expanded coverage is PhilHealth’s Gamot Package that provides up to ₱ 20,000 worth of assistance to members every year for medicines prescribed to treat leptospirosis.
ia/xf
