Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go assured the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (Phapi) that his panel is willing to listen to their concerns regarding claims payment from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).
Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, said Phapi president Rustico Jimenez could present their issues to the Senate.
He added he would relay the issues raised by Phapi to PhilHealth President Ricardo Morales.
“You have two venues where you can air your concerns. First, in a Senate hearing,” Go told Jimenez.
“Second, I asked the president of PhilHealth, General Morales, to listen to you privately and discussed what should be fixed to avoid this kind of problem,” he added.
Dozens of private hospitals have complained that their claims have not been paid by PhilHealth.
“I understand where Dr Jimenez is coming from. If there is delay or non-payment of PhilHealth claims, doctors are affected as well,” Go said.
He gave assurances that these concerns would be addressed during the joint hearing of the health and blue ribbon committees next week.
The senator lamented that if these issues continue, hospitals might have difficulty providing quality service.
In an interview with Ted Failon, Go mentioned that he would help enhance medical services.
On the upgrading of medical equipment in public hospitals, Go said he would discuss matters with Health Secretary Francisco Duque 3rd.
“I am on it and it is just right to use money allotted for health on equipment,” the senator said.