Philippines directs probe of health-insurance scandal

MANILA — Malacanang has ordered the Department of Health (DoH) to look into allegations that the government’s Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) program might have been “taken advantage of,” leading to its P4-billion loss since 1995.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita disclosed in his weekly press briefing in Malacanang this afternoon that Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has been directed to take a closer look at allegations that there are private hospitals and private doctors taking advantage of the PhilHealth program.

“We want to be sure that the money that the National Government is spending will be put to good use. That is why we want to determine whether this report about the PhilHealth program being taken advantage of by some private practitioners and hospitals is true,” he said.

News reports have quoted a PhilHealth official admitting to the agency’s monetary woes allegedly due to “dubious claims” from private medical practitioners and hospitals. (OPS) (davaotoday.com)