ORMOC CITY – In order to implement a more comprehensive approach to delivering primary care, as prescribed under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is committing to making essential outpatient services such as consultations, health screening and assessment, laboratory tests, and medicines available to its members through the “Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama,” better known as the PhilHealth KonSulTa.
According to concurrent Accreditation and Quality Assurance Section (AQAS) Head/OIC-HCDMD Chief Alfred Patrick F. Galapon, during a virtual press conference held on October 4, 2022, health services included in KonSulTa are Urinalysis, ECG, X-ray, Creatinine test, Oral Glucose Tolerance, Fecalysis, Sputum Microscopy, Lipid Profile, among others.
In addition, free medicines, such as anti-asthmatic, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-microbial, antihistamine, anti-thrombotics, anti-dyslipidemia, and electrolytes, are also included in the said program.
PhilHealth-8, accordingly, strives to accredit more providers in different localities in the region, including Ormoc City.
According to Henry Madula, Philhealth-Ormoc Local Health Insurance Office, there are more than 11 healthcare providers that are under the umbrella of the Philhealth Ormoc Office and accredited under the KonSulTa program. These are, Madula said, Leyte Baptist Hospital Inc.; Hindang Rural Health Unit (RHU); Matalom Community Hospital; Hilongos RHU 1 and 2; RHU-Palompon; RHU-San Isidro; RHU-Inopacan; RHU-Isabel; and RHU-Matalom.
Meanwhile, it was found out at said press conference that the Ormoc City Health Department, OSPA-FMC, and Gatchalian Hospital’s accreditations are still in process.
Finally, the KonSulTa benefit package may be availed of by PhilHealth members and their declared legal dependents in their accredited facility of choice. The registration may be processed through the nearest PhilHealth office or through self-registration via the PhilHealth Member Portal, which can be accessed at www.philhealth.gov.ph. The KonSulTa program is a transitory phase in moving forward to the comprehensive primary care benefit package. It is an opening door developed through the “bayanihan” spirit characterized by the National Health Insurance Program and the progressive realization of UHC in addressing the nation’s health needs. By Gwen Maurillo (EV Mail October 3-9, 2022 issue)
