The maternity benefits provided by the Philippines' state insurer, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), have been expanded, as announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday.
The Chief Executive, in a video message, revealed that coverage for normal hospital deliveries will increase to PHP29,000 ($518), a figure that is nearly triple the previous PHP9,750. Benefits for caesarean deliveries will also increase to PHP58,000–PHP62,000 from PHP37,000.
“In many cases, if a mother gives birth in a ward, even in a private hospital, there may be nothing to pay upon discharge,” Mr Marcos said in Tagalog.
Mr Marcos also reported that prenatal care coverage has been expanded from four to eight check-ups, now including vaccines and laboratory tests. Postnatal care has likewise been improved, with three follow-up visits now covered.
“Our goal is simple: to ensure that every mother can give birth safely without worrying about where to get money,” Mr Marcos said.
“We want no life to be put at risk simply due to lack of money,” he added.