The Department of Health (DOH) announced Thursday its plans to introduce free breast cancer tests, including mammography and ultrasound, by June this year. This initiative comes as part of efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility and early detection of critical health issues.
In a statement, the DOH revealed that PhilHealth, the state-run insurer, has given the green light for the inclusion of mammography and ultrasound in its benefits package. These tests not only aid in detecting breast cancer but also serve to identify other medical conditions such as abdominal problems.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa mandated PhilHealth to incorporate ultrasound and mammograms into its Konsulta benefit package following appeals from several lawmakers to expand coverage to primary care screening services.
Moreover, the DOH disclosed that PhilHealth’s Board of Directors has approved an increase in the capitation rate of PhilHealth Konsulta to P1,700 per patient annually. Konsulta is a primary care benefit package under PhilHealth, covering free annual check-ups and medication costs.
Additionally, the DOH clarified that private Konsulta package providers (KPPs) would be permitted to collect a co-payment of up to P900. However, patients treated at public KPPs will not incur any additional charges.
The DOH stated that PhilHealth aims to implement the enhanced payments by June 2024, contingent upon finalizing operational details such as IT system upgrades.
