Unpaid PhilHealth Premiums Disrupt WVSU Med Scholars

By Juliane Judilla

Third-year students at West Visayas State University-College of Medicine (WVSU-COM) under the Commission on Higher Education-Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program (CHED-MSRS) are facing enrollment issues due to unpaid Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) premium contributions for 2024.

Under the CHED-MSRS program, the scholarship contract requires all scholars to be enrolled in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), with CHED covering their PhilHealth premiums.

The provision is crucial for ensuring students’ health security, especially during their extensive hospital training.

WVSU-COM, following this mandate, requires all medical students to be insured by PhilHealth to protect them from health risks during clinical rotations.

However, delays in the payment of PhilHealth premiums have disrupted the scholars’ enrollment process, leaving many temporarily enrolled.

The WVSU Medicine Student Council (MSC) expressed concern over the issue, standing in solidarity with the affected students.

“Many of our scholars, approximately 260 students, rely solely on the allowance provided by CHED for their basic needs, such as food and housing,” said WVSU-MSC Chairperson Ma. Charlene S. Jereos.

“Due to the unpaid PhilHealth premiums, their enrollment status is considered temporary.”

Budget Cuts Questioned

The MSC also criticized the budget cuts that exacerbated the financial burden on students.

“We demand answers for the deficits in the 2024 fiscal year budget that led to the non-disbursement of these funds,” Jereos said.

“The budget cuts in state universities and CHED have placed an undue financial strain on scholars, hindering their education. We are committed to amplifying students’ voices and demanding accountability.”

Call for Greater Budget Allocation

Kabataan-Panay, a youth party-list group, condemned the issue and called for increased funding for health and education.

“The stalled enrollment of WVSU-COM students under the CHED-MSRS program infringes on their right to education,” said KPL-Panay Chairperson Thea Kryshna Dayata.

“This is not just about academic insecurity for the coming semester but reflects the worsening neglect of education and health sectors,” she added.

“This situation is a direct result of budget cuts and inadequate state allocations for public institutions like WVSU College of Medicine, which are critical to public health service.”