PhilHealth handed over PHP 22.8 million to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) on April 11, 2025, as payment for initial claims under the enhanced Ischemic Heart Disease – Acute Myocardial Infarction (IHD-AMI) benefit package. Within three months of enhancement, this package has benefited 77 heart attack patients at PGH as of March 2025.
PGH Medical Director Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi received the check from PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado during a ceremonial turnover. Sa ibinigay pong pagkakataon na ma-improve ang service to heart attack patients, record high ang ating serbisyo — wala na pong charity na heart attack patient ngayon. Iyan ang improvement na gusto nating makita. And I think with this current administration of PhilHealth, we will be seeing more of that,” remarked Dr. Legaspi.He acknowledged PhilHealth Regional Office – NCR’s support, led by Dr. Bernadette Lico who attended the event, in ensuring patients receive proper financial protection.
Among the beneficiaries present was Mrs. Juvy B. Busayong, wife of patient Jose Busayong from Calamba City, Laguna. She shared their initial hesitation about potentially expensive angiogram procedures, but expressed gratitude upon learning PhilHealth’s package would cover all costs. Mrs. Busayong thanked PhilHealth and expressed hope that the program would help save more lives.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mercado reiterates PhilHealth’s commitment in bringing life-saving health services closer to every Filipino by ensuring prompt claims reimbursements to more hospitals.
“Ang PHP22.8 milyong bayad na ito sa PGH ay simula pa lamang. Kami ay iikot pa sa iba’t ibang mga rehiyon para ating personal na tiyakin ang mabilis na pagpoproseso at pagbabayad ng claims para sa mga serbisyong ipinagkaloob ng ating mga ospital sa mga miyembrong may sakit sa puso,” Dr. Mercado affirmed.He committed to visiting various regions to personally ensure swift processing and payment of claims for heart disease services provided by hospitals to PhilHealth members.
The IHD-AMI package provides coverage up to PHP 523,853 at all accredited Levels 1-3 public and private health facilities capable of delivering these services.
For more information, members may call PhilHealth’s 24/7 touch points at (02) 866-225-88 or mobile numbers (Smart) 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, (Globe) 0917-1275987 or 0917-1109812.
