PhilHealth boosts access to orthopedic implants in WV

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Patients across Western Visayas, including Ilonggos, now have broader access to life-changing orthopedic implants through the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.’s Z-Benefit Package.

The Z-Benefit program covers illnesses and procedures classified as “medically and financially catastrophic,” including hip arthroplasty procedures such as cemented and cementless total hip prosthesis, partial hip prosthesis, and bipolar implants.

Coverage ranges from PHP 48,000 to PHP 169,400 depending on the required implant.

Eligible beneficiaries include active PhilHealth members—both direct and indirect contributors—and their qualified dependents.

Patients must be evaluated at accredited Z-Benefit health facilities, complete pre-authorization, and secure approval before undergoing procedures.

In the region, Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Mandurriao, Iloilo City leads the delivery of orthopedic Z-Benefit services.

From January 1 to August 28, WVMC processed 444 claims for orthopedic implants, with the most common being arm and forearm plating (129) and intramedullary nail with interlocking screws for femur (106).

Other procedures included locked compression plates (59), partial hip prosthesis cementless (47), total hip prosthesis cementless (29), wrist plating (29), knee prosthesis (21), proximal femoral nail (18), arm and forearm pinning (5), and wrist pinning (1).

Dr. Guadalupe V. Matejka, WVMC chief training officer, emphasized the importance of orthopedic procedures as both costly and essential services.

She noted that when patients lose mobility, they often become dependent on family, worsening financial burdens and household poverty.

“That is why we prioritize orthopedic procedures here in Western Visayas — so that our people, especially Ilonggos, are given the chance and the freedom to move around and be productive,” she said during a press conference on August 29.

The Philippine Orthopaedic Association (POA), represented by its president Dr. Justinian Aquilino IV Cyril Ll. Pimentel, joined WVMC in endorsing the program.

“The Z-Benefit package gives free implants for hip and knee surgeries,” Pimentel said.

“It’s good that PhilHealth now supplies the implants, while we in POA contribute the expertise to serve our people,” he added.

Dr. Herminio R. Valenzuela Jr., president of the Philippine Hip and Knee Society, said the country faces a growing demand for joint replacement surgeries.

He explained that while the Philippines performs only about 12,000 to 15,000 such procedures annually, the actual need based on modern standards is between 75,000 and 80,000.

With an aging population, Valenzuela said the demand will continue to rise, and PhilHealth’s support will help meet the need.

“This initiative will democratize access to joint replacement, making it attainable for more Filipinos, especially our aging population,” he said.

Meanwhile, PhilHealth VI acting regional vice president Lazaro T. Tabsing reported that WVMC has been one of the top providers of Z-Benefit packages in the region.

From 2023 to August 2025, PhilHealth disbursed PHP 30.39 million to WVMC for Z-Benefit claims, which include cancer treatment, coronary bypass grafts, acute lymphocytic leukemia management, and orthopedic implants.

“Behind every orthopedic implant is a story of resilience — a mother who can walk again, a father who can return to work, a child who can dream without limits,” Tabsing said.

“These benefits symbolize not only medical intervention but second chances,” he added.

PhilHealth urged members to visit its official website at www.philhealth.gov.ph for full details on the Z-Benefit packages.