By Brian Campued
In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to bring government services closer to Filipinos, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) continue to strengthen its health care programs for mothers and children.
This, as DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and PhilHealth President and CEO Edwin Mercado met on Tuesday to ensure continuous health care, nutrition, and support for mothers and their children.
“Sa pagtutulungan ng PhilHealth at DSWD, binubuo natin ang serbisyong pangkalusugang hindi napapatid para sa mga ina at kanilang mga supling,” PhilHealth said in a social media post.
“Sapagkat ang ligtas na panganganak at malusog na pangangatawan ng kabataan ay pundasyon ng isang malusog na kinabukasan.”
President Marcos Jr. earlier announced the expansion of PhilHealth’s maternity benefits, which took effect on April 30—helping eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for mothers who give birth and reduce maternal mortality.
Under the expanded maternal care package, coverage for normal deliveries in hospitals has increased from P9,750 to P29,000 and in infirmaries and primary care facilities from P12,675 to P14,000.
Coverage for cesarean sections also rose from P37,000 to between P58,000 and P62,000.
Endometrial sampling as well as dilation and curettage (raspa) both increased from P21,450 to P31,500 and P36,500, respectively.
Antenatal or prenatal care coverage has also been expanded from four to eight checkups and now includes vaccines and laboratory tests, while postnatal care covers three follow-up visits.
Meanwhile, the DSWD is intensifying the rollout of its First 1,000 Days (F1KD) Program to ensure continued support to pregnant members of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or families with children aged 0-2.
The initiative aims to reduce stunting among children and improve maternal and child nutrition during the first 1,000 days starting from conception.
Under the F1KD program, beneficiaries get P350 worth of cash grants monthly to encourage them to seek health services and address the health needs of their children.
-jpv
