CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) - - The Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development (CVCHD) in partnership with the Isabela Provincial Health Office and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) recently conducted a forum on the salient provisions of Republic Act 11223 otherwise known as the Universal Health Care Law.

The forum was attended by National Epidemiology Center Director Eric Tayag, Local Chief Executives, Sangguniang Pnalungsod/Bayan Members committee chair on health, city/municipal health officers, provincial officials and PhilHealth officials held at Casa De Madera Country Club in Cauayan City.

Tayag lauded the Provincial Government of Isabela as this is the first province in the country to conduct a forum to discuss the Special Health Fund. 

He linked the goal of UHC on the principle of progressive realization with his version of the 5Ps – Universal Health Care for the Poor, Province-wide/City-Wide, Public Health Facilities, Primary Care, and Promoting services prioritizing vaccination. 

Meanwhile, PhilHealth Senior Vice President for Fund Management Renato Limsiaco said that the state-run agency allocated P17 billion this year for the konsulta package program. 

"PhilHealth will be expanding its hemodialysis package to a total of 156 sessions, allowing beneficiaries to take the maximum recommended sessions per week all year round. PhilHealth is also rationalizing its Covid-19 benefit packages and out-patient benefit package for mental health,” Limsiaco said.

He said the Special Health Fund (SHF) and pushed for sandbox strategy on selected sites from the 71 UHC facilities, including the province of Isabela to enroll the program and pilot financial reforms.

Provincial Board Member Committee Chairman on Health Dr. Emmanuel Joselito Añes, who represented Gov. Rodito Albano III, said the provincial government recognized the benefits and potential of UHC Law with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Isabela’s issuance of Resolution No. 171 series of 2019 and Resolution No. 453 series of 2019 which opened the Province of Isabela as Universal Health Care Integration Site. 

“We look forward to strengthen PGI–DOH–Philhealth partnership and continue to make good things happen,” Añes said. (OTB/MGE / PIA Isabela)