Press Release - Bong Go lauds PhilHealth's increased dialysis coverage and calls for further reforms to ensure accessible healthcare for all

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go commended the recent increase in PhilHealth's dialysis coverage, highlighting it as a significant step toward providing better healthcare services for Filipinos, particularly those suffering from chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5).

Under the new policy, patients will now receive PHP 6,350 per session for 156 sessions annually, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs for dialysis patients across the country.

"This is a welcome development that will help ease the financial burden of our dialysis patients. Sa dami ng mga kababayan natin na umaasa sa dialysis, mahalaga na masiguro natin na abot-kamay ang serbisyo sa bawat Pilipino na nangangailangan nito," Go said.

The new benefit package, which increased from PHP 4,000 per session in July to PHP 6,350 starting October 7, is part of PhilHealth's efforts to provide comprehensive support to CKD5 patients. This adjustment allows for a maximum financial protection of PHP 990,600 per year, covering essential services such as anti-coagulation medications, anemia management, laboratory tests, and dialysis kits.

It also includes administrative fees for dialysis machines and facility costs, ensuring that patients receive the care they need at accredited facilities.

Go continues to emphasize the importance of equitable access to healthcare services. He noted that the increase in dialysis coverage is aligned with the core principles of the UHC law, which aims to alleviate the financial struggles of Filipinos seeking medical treatment.

"Hindi dapat maging hadlang ang kakulangan sa pera para sa serbisyong pangkalusugan. Kaya noong isinulong ang Universal Health Care Act, nais nitong tiyakin na walang Pilipino ang maiiwan pagdating sa serbisyong medikal," Go said.

This development is in line with Go's Senate Bill No. 190, also known as the proposed "Free Dialysis Act," which seeks to institutionalize a comprehensive dialysis benefit package fully covering the costs of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis treatments in accredited health facilities.

"Patuloy tayong magsusulong ng mga panukalang batas na magbibigay ng libreng dialysis sa mga nangangailangan. Hindi dapat makompromiso ang kalusugan