In a groundbreaking move to enhance healthcare services across the Philippines, PhilHealth’s President and CEO, Edwin Mercado, convened a pivotal meeting with leading private hospital groups and national associations. The gathering, which included key players like Metro Pacific Health Corp., Mount Grace Hospital Group, and St. Luke’s Medical Center, among others, aimed to forge a stronger partnership to streamline healthcare delivery.
The discussions were centered on PhilHealth’s dedication to boosting its operational efficiency, minimizing waste, and refining processes to ensure hospitals receive prompt payments for their services. Mercado emphasized the critical role of private hospitals in providing top-notch healthcare to Filipinos, highlighting the need for a trust-based and well-coordinated system.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the mutual agreement to expand access points for primary care, a move that will significantly contribute to the completion of Health Care Provider Networks. This initiative is a crucial step towards realizing Universal Health Care for all Filipinos.
Looking ahead, Mercado is set to extend these discussions to government hospitals under the Department of Health and local government units, further broadening the scope of this transformative healthcare initiative.