LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The provincial government of Pangasinan will soon grant cash incentives for residents who will avail of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) program.
With the recent approval of an ordinance by the provincial board entitled “An Ordinance Establishing the Pangasinan Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultation Program and Appropriating Funds Therefor,” authored by Board Member Shiela Baniqued, indigent and marginalized communities shall be granted adequate access to essential healthcare services.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III, who played a pivotal role in achieving the goal of pushing for the preventive healthcare program of the government, is setting his sights towards full coverage of the more than 3.3 million Pangasinenses in the offing.
“I’m very active in pushing for the full implementation of the e-Konsulta of PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corp.). That is to cover all of our population with health insurance through PhilHealth so that they could avail of the preventive care program of the government. Kasi ang prinsipiyo po natin diyan, it’s more expensive to cure than to prevent. So we’re giving more funds to that,” the governor earlier stated.
Recognizing the importance of health being a fundamental right and a critical component of social and economic development, Gov. Guico disclosed during the birthday celebration of President Bongbong Marcos on September 13 that his administration has embarked on expanding the health thrust of the province to include the transformation of all 14 hospitals to become “hospitals of choice,” the acquisition of various state-of-the-art equipment, and the hiring of more health practitioners, among others.
Hence, he encouraged all Pangasinenses to avail of the improved services of the various district and community hospitals in the province. “Dalhin n’yo sa provincial hospitals ang mgamay sakit pati na mga bata, makiki-coordinate kami sa mga LGU o sa mga health station maging sa barangay o munisipyo. Wala ng dahilan upang hindi tayo magpa-check up for the preventive health program of the province,” the governor said.
Gov. Guico further cited that the provincial government will coordinate with the local government units (LGUs) throughout the province to ensure the success of the program.
As stated in Section 6 of the Universal Health Care Act, or RA 11223, “Every Filipino shall be granted immediate eligibility and access to preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care for medical, dental, mental, and emergency health services, delivered either as population-based or individual-based health services.
In consonance with PhilHealth Circular No. 2023-0013, entitled “Implementing Guidelines for the PhilHealth Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) Package (Revision 2), the constituents are encouraged to register and avail of the said benefit.
The approved ordinance disclosed that as a unified incentives program, PhilHealth Konsulta consists of any or a combination of the following: 1) cash incentives; 2) food assistance; 3) transportation assistance; and 4) provision of free vitamins.
For cash incentives, individuals who register for PhilHealth Konsulta shall receive a cash incentive for registration and additional cash incentives for every subsequent visit.
Food assistance, on the other hand, can be availed by individuals who avail of the program during their visit.
Aside from this, transportation assistance may be granted to individuals intending to avail of the program either through the use of vehicles owned by the Province of Pangasinan or in cash.
Provision of free vitamins will be granted based on the needs of the individuals. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO, Photo by Joey Olimpo)
