Manila, Philippines – ACT-CIS Party-list Representative and senatorial candidate Erwin Tulfo has announced plans to file a bill requiring PhilHealth to cover doctors’ professional fees in its benefit packages.
Tulfo pointed out that while PhilHealth covers medications and hospital room charges, many patients struggle to pay doctors’ fees, delaying their discharge.
“Patients can’t leave the hospital because they can’t afford doctors’ fees. That’s why PhilHealth should cover these expenses,” Tulfo said.
He also questioned why PhilHealth deducts contributions from workers’ salaries yet fails to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage. Tulfo pledged to file the bill when Congress resumes session on June 2.
Meanwhile, Senator Bong Go echoed calls for PhilHealth reforms, criticizing its fund management after P89.9 billion in unused funds were returned to the National Treasury instead of benefiting patients.
Go emphasized the need to expand benefit packages, including higher case rates, dental care, and optometric services, and supported lowering premium contributions under the Universal Healthcare Law.