On September 11, 2024, SEA, Inc., together with the Municipality of New Lucena, Iloilo, organized an orientation on PhilHealth Konsulta. The event, aimed at educating the residents about this crucial healthcare program, embodied the local government’s push for accessible primary care. It wasn’t just about informing the public; it was about equipping them with the knowledge to take charge of their health.

PhilHealth Konsulta is one of the programs designed and committed by PhilHealth to provide Filipinos with access to essential primary care services as prescribed under the Universal Health Care Act or RA 11223. The program encourages people to consult their Rural Health Units (RHUs) instead of heading straight to the hospital, ensuring that health problems are addressed early, and minimizing the need for hospital admission. The speaker succinctly explained, “Indi kaw ka deretso sa hospital kung indi ikaw maghapit sa RHU (You won’t go straight to the hospital without consulting RHU first).” This simple yet impactful statement underscores the program’s preventive approach, with RHUs serving as the community’s first line of defense.

The event wasn’t just about delivering information; it was an opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in the nuances of PhilHealth Konsulta. One key takeaway was the reassurance that services at government hospitals come at no cost. However, it was emphasized that “Sa Philhealth indi covered kung naka – private room ukon may private doctor ka (With PhilHealth, you’re not covered if you’re in a private room or if you have a private doctor.)“—a small trade-off for the comprehensive care provided under the package. He added that PhilHealth Konsulta provides laboratory and diagnostic tests and medicines based on Doctors’ assessments and prescriptions.

PhilHealth subsidized the hospitalization of qualified members. The program covers a 90-day (treatment period) for one specific illness. Within 90 days, if the same condition persists, PhilHealth will not cover it anymore. But, If a different condition arises within the period it will be covered.

Participants were also introduced to the ACR Search app, where they can check their doctor’s findings and see the packages available for their diagnosis. This digital tool provides greater transparency and helps patients track the services they’re entitled to.

The event also touched on the specifics of membership, particularly for 4Ps members. While their PhilHealth coverage lasts for seven years, the option to continue coverage voluntarily was laid out for those approaching the end of their term. This was especially relevant for the attendees who were part of the 4Ps program, as they learned how to maintain their healthcare benefits even after the program ended.

One notable query came from an attendee concerned about overseas workers. “Kun ma-hospital sagwa ang OFW paano? (What if an OFW gets hospitalized abroad?)” The response was reassuring: “Kun active iya membership kag ma-process within 180 days (If their membership is active and processed within 180 days),” indicating that PhilHealth Konsulta also extends its protective arms to OFWs as long as their membership is in good standing.

As the session wrapped up, the attendees shared their insights. Ms. Josie, the Solo Parent Federation President clarified if Solo parents are covered by PhilHealth and it was checked immediately by the PhilHealth Office but unfortunately, it is not yet included. Another solo parent, Divine, with a hopeful tone, remarked, “Tani ma-follow-up ang about sa Solo parent kag thankful gid kami sa amon resource person kag sa IPAT-SIAD (I hope there’s a follow-up about Solo parent benefits, and we’re thankful for our resource person and IPAT-SIAD).” The event had made an impact, particularly on individuals like Divine, who hoped for further coverage of other social concerns.

Bienvinida expressed satisfaction with the knowledge gained, stating, “May nabal-an na kami parti sa PhilHealth Konsulta program (Now I know PhilHealth Konsulta program),” while Maricel added, “May idea duman ako sa PhilHealth pero nami gid kay nadugangan (I know PhilHealth but I’m glad I learned more).” For Elvalyn, the practical applications of the session were immediately clear, “Damo kami na tun-an ni Kagawad Mancil nga pwede gid namon mapa-lab-ot sa sa mon kasimaryo (We learned a lot with Kagawad Mancil, that we can share with our neighbors).”

The gratitude in the room was palpable, especially from Jose Sumbong, who offered heartfelt thanks, saying, “Thank you gid sa IPAT-SIAD kay gin dala nila ang PhilHealth, thank you gid sa speaker (Thank you to IPAT-SIAD for bringing PhilHealth, and thanks to the speaker).“

Beyond the immediate benefits, PhilHealth Konsulta offers a sustainable approach to healthcare. By making primary care services more accessible, it addresses the root of many health problems, preventing them from escalating into more serious conditions.

This, in turn, reduces the burden on hospitals, ensuring that healthcare remains affordable and accessible for everyone, especially in communities like New Lucena where government hospitals are often the only option. Dr. Reala, MHO of New Lucena was hopeful to be accredited and provide Konsulta services by next year once the RHU facility is completely renovated.

As the session wrapped up, the attendees shared their insights. Ms. Josie, the Solo Parent Federation President clarified if Solo parents are covered by PhilHealth and it was checked immediately by the PhilHealth Office but unfortunately, it is not yet included. Another solo parent, Divine, with a hopeful tone, remarked, “Tani ma-follow-up ang about sa Solo parent kag thankful gid kami sa amon resource person kag sa IPAT-SIAD (I hope there’s a follow-up about Solo parent benefits, and we’re thankful for our resource person and IPAT-SIAD).” The event had made an impact, particularly on individuals like Divine, who hoped for further coverage of other social concerns.

The program’s sustainability is also built into its continuous updates of member statuses and the government’s ongoing support for those unable to pay. PhilHealth Konsulta’s preventive care model is crucial for the long-term health of the community, allowing residents to focus on early intervention rather than expensive treatments later on.

Through events like this, SEA, Inc. and the Municipality of New Lucena are not only making healthcare accessible but also empowering their community with the knowledge to sustain it. With PhilHealth Konsulta, the people of New Lucena can look forward to a future where primary healthcare is not just a privilege but a right.