PhilHealth Advances Funds To SPMC Based On Last Year’s Data – DOH
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health on Wednesday defended the large amount of cash advances from Philippine Health Insurance Corp. .
Under Secretary of Health Maria Rosario Vergeire said the calculation of compensation under PhilHealth’s Interim Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM), in which the Davao-based Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) has carved out the lion’s share, is supported by “historical” documentation.
PhilHealth is an agency attached to DOH, chaired by the Secretary of Health.
“They were based on historical figures. This is the three-month loss history for the previous year. It was based on claims from last year or data from last year, ”she told reporters in an online media forum.
Vergeire also pointed out that SPMC has a capacity of 1,200 beds, making it one of the largest hospitals in the country, hence its great compensation.
The hospital also offers specialized services, such as cardiac and cancer specialties, thanks to its high-tech equipment.
“Kung saka-sakaling mas mataas [ang compensation], the kadahilanan is the kalakihan of Kanilang hospital, the beds maraming, maraming pasyente, ”said the DOH official.
“High tech din sila and they cater to different and varied types of patients,” she added.
During a Senate hearing on the corruption issues that currently plague PhilHealth, it was revealed that SPMC received the bulk of the public insurer’s cash advances for COVID-19.
It received 326 million pesos, followed by the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital in Manila with 263.3 million pesos; Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City with 209 million pesos; Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City with P204 million; and, Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital in the city of San Fernando with P201 million.
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