PhilHealth hikes benefit package for heatstroke

MANILA, Philippines — The state health insurer’s heatstroke benefit package has been raised to P8,450 from P6,500 – a 30 percent increase.

Members who suffered from heatstroke can avail themselves of the benefit but they must ensure they are admitted to an accredited health facility, Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) Corporate Affairs Group acting vice president Rey Baleña said yesterday in an interview.

This development is part of the increase of all benefit packages implemented by PhilHealth earlier this year, he noted.

“Now with the 30-percent increase (in most case rate packages) that took effect last Feb. 14, it is now P8,450,” Baleña said.

The public is advised to follow the Department of Health’s reminders to drink water, wear loose and light clothing, limit outdoor exposure and use sunblock, umbrellas or caps to avoid heat-related illnesses amid extreme heat recorded nationwide.

Scorching temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius were recorded for three straight days since Monday in Tarlac, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

This is the hottest temperature recorded so far this year.

The high temperature was recorded at the monitoring station at Tarlac Agricultural University from Monday to Wednesday.

The hottest temperature was first recorded in Echague town in Isabela on April 15.

PAGASA warned the sweltering heat will affect the country until May.

The heat index also continues to climb, as 48 degrees Celsius was recorded in Tanauan, Batangas on Wednesday.

The highest heat index breached the 48-degree Celsius mark in Tuguegarao City the day before.

At least 36 areas nationwide are forecast to experience dangerous heat levels between 42 and 46 degrees Celsius today.

Temperatures could continue to rise in the next weeks due to El Niño amid the peak of the warm and dry season, PAGASA noted.

The forecast maximum temperature in May was 40 degrees Celsius but it was already breached this month.

Easterlies and localized thunderstorms could bring isolated rains over Metro Manila and the rest of the country, PAGASA said.

Meanwhile, Philippine Coast Guard personnel are allowed to take a