Bong Go brokers talks with PhilHealth, hospitals

After a meeting brokered by Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (PHAP) have agreed to work together to ensure continuous and smooth medical assistance to Filipinos with medical needs.

Go said PhilHealth president Ricardo Morales and PHAP president Rustico Jimenez, after a meeting he brokered last Thursday, also vowed to address several issues including fraudulent claims as well as some P2.5 billion in unpaid reimbursements.

“I’m willing to serve as bridge. I asked them not to let the issue blow out of proportion. We should prioritize the welfare of patients and make sure they get the service they deserve,” he said in Filipino.

He noted that PhilHealth will also set regional quarterly forums to be able to hear the concerns of private hospitals regularly.

“We understand private hospitals need to get paid. How can they deliver services if they don’t have the money? I hope patients don’t get ignored or services to the public delayed,” he said.

Hospital administrators had threatened to withdraw from PhilHealth, pointing to about P2.5 billion in unpaid reimbursements.

They said processing of claims has slowed considerably and some hospitals in Mindanao have been stripped of their PhilHealth accreditation.

Go also warned PHAP members of getting stripped of their accreditations if they get involved in fraudulent claims.

“I told them not to tolerate fraudulent claims, or they would be held accountable or suspended. Help us help the government,” he said.

As chairman of the Senate committee on health with oversight function, Go assured the public that he will not allow any wastage of public funds.

“Let’s make sure not a single peso of government funds is wasted. The people are pleading for help, only to be robbed,” he said.

Go said he is still reviewing the proposed budget for the Department of Health (DOH) for 2020 which, he said, faces some budget cuts due to underspending.

“I’m still reviewing the budget before it gets to the plenary. I’ll talk to DOH officials and seek explanation for the underspending,” he said.