The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPI) has pointed to ongoing inflation as the key driver behind recent increases in hospital fees across the country.
PHAPI President Dr. Jose Rene de Grano, speaking in a radio interview on Saturday, explained that the rate adjustments began last year with an average increase of about 5%. This year, with operational costs continuing to climb—including salaries, medical supplies, and laboratory materials—some hospitals have implemented an additional 5% hike.
“Lahat po yan ay nagtaasan,” De Grano said, referring to the cost of laboratory equipment and materials, which has directly contributed to higher service rates, including room charges and diagnostics.
Despite the uptick in fees, De Grano assured the public that the impact has been softened by a significant increase in PhilHealth coverage. “Tumaas din ng almost double, around 95% din na tumaas yung benefits natin sa PhilHealth,” he said.
To illustrate, he noted that a P50,000 hospital bill that previously had a P20,000 PhilHealth deduction could now receive P30,000 to P35,000 in coverage. “Ang ibig sabihin, unti lang o halos hindi niyo mararamdaman na may increase talaga,” he explained.
De Grano emphasized that with the increase in rates, hospitals are being encouraged to enhance the quality of care. “Justify yung pagtataas niyo ng rates na yan,” he reminded member institutions, calling for improvements in hospital services alongside the price adjustments.
