PhilHealth PULSE strengthens universal health care partnerships

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. office in Western Visayas (PhilHealth 6) successfully conducted PULSE, or Promoting UHC through Linkages, Synergy and Engagement, a regional gathering of key stakeholders aimed at sharing experiences, best practices, and insights to strengthen the delivery of universal health care.

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya said the activity enables hospitals and local governments to present effective strategies that help expand member protection.

“With this activity being spearheaded by PhilHealth, we will be able to share the best practices the hospitals have as well as the different LGUs,” he said.

He added that universal health care can be achieved only when stakeholders fulfill their roles.

The event provided a platform for hospitals to share best practices that demonstrate high performance in service delivery.

Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital and Pablo O. Torre Memorial Hospital presented successful initiatives implemented in their facilities, highlighting the importance of shared learning and coordinated efforts.

The highlight of the event was the awarding of certificates of accreditation to 26 pharmacies under PhilHealth’s GAMOT program, or Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment.

Under PhilHealth GAMOT, members and dependents can access medicines for 75 common illnesses up to an annual limit of PHP 20,000.

These accredited pharmacies are now authorized to dispense medicines to eligible PhilHealth members and dependents.

“Access to medicine remains to be one of the biggest pressures of Filipino families, and this program directly eases that burden,” said Dr. Razel Nikka Hao of the Negros Island Region Center for Health and Development.

She said the program supports the region’s access pillar by ensuring that people receive appropriate care without delays or financial difficulty.

PhilHealth Regional Office VI acting regional vice president Lazaro Tabsing reiterated PhilHealth’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with partners to ensure responsive and accessible services.

Mayor Gasataya expressed support for PhilHealth’s innovations, saying they help improve partnerships and enhance service delivery.

“I thank PhilHealth for the innovations that you are doing now,” he said.

The event was attended by Dr. Von Aposaga of the Office of the Governor of Negros Occidental, chiefs of hospitals, hospital accountants, city and municipal health officers, and local government partners at Citadines Hotel in Bacolod City.