PhilHealth Regional Office IX and Ciudad Medical Zamboanga Sign Accreditation Contract for Z-Benefit Kidney Transplantation

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Regional Office IX and Ciudad Medical Zamboanga (CMZ) officially signed an accreditation agreement on March 10, 2025, recognizing CMZ as the first PhilHealth Z-Benefit Provider for Kidney Transplantation in the region for 2025. The ceremonial signing, held at PhilHealth Regional Office IX, marks a major step in expanding access to specialized healthcare services in the region.

Figure 1 : Officials of PhilHealth Regional Office IX and Ciudad Medical Zamboanga during the ceremonial contract signing, March 10, 2025, Zamboanga City.

With this accreditation, CMZ joins the roster of premier healthcare institutions providing kidney transplantation services under PhilHealth’s Z-Benefit Package. This initiative ensures that patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5) receive life-saving procedures without the burden of prohibitive medical expenses. The move aligns with PhilHealth’s mission under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, reinforcing financial risk protection and improving accessibility to quality healthcare for Filipinos.

Key officials graced the event, including PhilHealth Regional Office IX officials headed by Regional Vice President Paolo Johann C. Perez and Ciudad Medical Zamboanga representatives led by Medical Director Joven M. Monsanto, MD. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to making healthcare more affordable and accessible, particularly for patients in Zamboanga Peninsula and neighboring areas.

PhilHealth Regional Vice President Paolo Johann C. Perez underscored the significance of the partnership, saying, “With Ciudad Medical Zamboanga now accredited as a Z-Benefit Provider, we are bringing kidney transplantation services closer to our members.” This step strengthens our mission of ensuring that no Filipino is denied essential medical care due to financial limitations.

The Z-Benefit Package for Kidney Transplantation covers pre-transplant evaluations, surgical procedures, postoperative care, and immunosuppressant medications. Package rates range from PHP 865,000 to PHP 2,146,000, depending on the type of organ donor and the specific procedure performed, significantly alleviating the financial strain on PhilHealth members.

This partnership is expected to benefit many patients who need to travel outside the region for kidney transplants. By expanding local access to these critical medical services, PhilHealth and Ciudad Medical Zamboanga continue to move toward a more inclusive, accessible, and patient-centered healthcare system.

For additional details about the PhilHealth Z-Benefit Package, visit www.philhealth.gov.ph. (PR)