By Brian Campued
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is expanding its maternity benefits starting April 30, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced Wednesday.
In a video message, the President recognized that childbirth can be costly, noting that expectant mothers need to undergo numerous checkups and laboratory tests, not to mention the medications they have to take and the hospital fees they will incur.
“Kapag kinulang ang pera, napipilitan tayo maghintay o magtipid… Ito ang nais natin baguhin,” he said.
According to Marcos Jr., coverage for normal hospital deliveries will increase from P9,750 to P29,000 while cesarean sections will rise from P37,000 to between P58,000 and P62,000.
“Sa maraming pagkakataon, kung sa ward manganganak, kahit sa private hospital, maaari nang wala nang babayaran paglabas,” he said.
Prenatal care coverage has also been expanded from four to eight checkups and will now include vaccines and laboratory tests, while postnatal care will cover three follow-up visits.
The Chief Executive stressed that the administration’s goal is to ensure that every expectant mother can give birth safely without worrying about the financial costs.
“Nais natin na walang buhay ang malalagay sa panganib dahil lamang sa kakulangan ng pera,” he said.
Proclamation Number 200 series of 2002 declares the second week of May every year as Safe Motherhood Week.
-jpv
