ILIGAN CITY – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has launched its flagship program called Konsultasyong Sulit Tama (Konsulta) in an effort to further improve access to healthcare services.
The event, PhilHealth, said marked a transformative moment
for the community, as it highlighted the commitment to ensuring quality
healthcare for all residents, representing a significant stride towards achieving
universal healthcare coverage in the country.
The program is a pioneering initiative to address the
pressing need for accessible and affordable primary healthcare services across
communities. Grounded in the principles of preventive care and early intervention,
the program, according to PhilHealth, aims to empower Filipinos to take charge
of their health by providing them with easy access to vital medical services.
Dr. William Bernardo, PhilHealth consultant for Iligan City,
highlighted the pivotal role of the Konsulta facility as a gatekeeper and
navigation hub for healthcare services. He elaborated on the facility’s
function, indicating that consultations conducted here would determine if a
patient's condition could be treated at home or if hospitalization was
necessary. “This will help reduce the number of patients seeking health
services from the city hospital,” he said.
Tibanga village chieftain Henry Cooper also expressed his
overwhelming joy and shared that the establishment of the Konsulta Center in
his village had been a long-standing dream for everybody. He stressed the
significance of accessible healthcare, particularly for those living below the
poverty line who cannot afford private hospitals.
Verne Padilla, the local government’s chief of staff,
emphasized the indispensable role of collaboration and reiterated the
commitment to improve the health system. “Rest assured that the local
government of Iligan will always support Konsulta centers. We need the collaboration of everybody. This
Konsulta will not be possible without the collaboration of everyone, from
PhilHealth, Department of Health, village officials, and the local government
of Iligan,” he said.
By addressing the gaps in primary healthcare services and
promoting early intervention, the program, Bernardo said, has the potential to
enhance the overall health and well-being of Filipinos.
Local PhilHealth chief, Christine Mae Magno, highlighted the
extensive resources and benefits provided by the agency, underscoring the
importance of accessing these benefits through diligent compliance with
facilities accredited by their office. “The Philhealth has abundant resources
and numerous benefits; it is a matter of accessing these benefits, which we
cannot and can never access if we do not do our jobs and we do not comply with
the requirements,” she said.
As it expands its reach to more villages and communities,
the Konsulta Program is poised to become a transformative force in the
country’s healthcare landscape, prioritizing the health of the nation and
ensuring that quality medical care is within everyone's reach, Bernardo said.
(Lou Ellen Antonio)
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