BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
More than one million Pangasinan residents have registered for the PhilHealth Konsulta Program through the provincial government’s GuiConsulta initiative.
Due to its success, PhilHealth has encouraged other provinces to adopt a similar approach.
Since the program’s launch in 2024, over a million residents have benefited from free medical services under the PhilHealth Konsulta Program.
According to PhilHealth Regional Vice President Dennis Adre, this strategy should be considered by other provinces to extend healthcare benefits to more Filipinos.
“It’s a strategy I believe should be adopted by other provinces as well if they can find the resources for that purpose,” Adre stated.
The GuiConsulta initiative has played a crucial role in expanding access to PhilHealth Konsulta, particularly in remote areas.
Under the program, each member is entitled to healthcare benefits worth 1,700 pesos annually.
However, PhilHealth clarified that this amount is not given in cash but is allocated for free consultations, laboratory tests, and medications at accredited facilities.
“The 1,700 pesos is not something you receive in cash. It is the amount PhilHealth pays for services such as laboratory expenses,” Adre explained. “The 300 pesos used in GuiConsulta comes from provincial funds, not from PhilHealth.”
PhilHealth also denied allegations of fund mismanagement within the program, emphasizing that all resources are allocated transparently.
“The provincial government of Pangasinan aims to invest any excess funds in constructing additional hospitals to cater to serious healthcare needs,” Adre added.
The provincial government continues to register more beneficiaries for the PhilHealth Konsulta Program with the help of GuiConsulta.
With its success, PhilHealth hopes other provinces will implement similar initiatives to ensure all Filipinos have access to quality healthcare services.
