Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Acting President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado met with leading private hospital groups on February 20, 2025, to discuss improving healthcare access and addressing provider concerns.
The consultation focused on enhancing PhilHealth’s efficiency, reducing waste, and streamlining processes to ensure timely claim payments to hospitals.
Representatives from Metro Pacific Health Corporation, Mount Grace Hospital Group, Unilab Foundation, AC Health, St. Luke’s Medical Center, The Medical City, Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc., and Philippine Hospital Association attended the meeting.
During discussions, Dr. Mercado and hospital executives agreed to expand primary care access points. This expansion will help complete Health Care Provider Networks (HCPNs), advancing the goal of Universal Health Care for all Filipinos.
“We recognize the significant role that private hospitals play in delivering quality healthcare services to Filipinos. We can only leverage their capacities when we build a sphere of trust and effective coordination,” Mercado said.
PhilHealth plans to meet next with Department of Health and local government-managed hospitals. These ongoing stakeholder engagements aim to strengthen PhilHealth’s role in improving healthcare financing across the Philippines.
