On President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has expanded its outpatient coverage for malaria, supporting the renewed global campaign to end the disease.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a briefing on Wednesday that the government is working to eliminate malaria on or before 2030, as advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO) drive against it.
“Bilang tugon ng PhilHealth sa panawagan ng World Health Organization na magkaisa laban sa malaria, pinalawak pa nito ang benepisyo para sa malaria,” Castro said.
According to its website, PhilHealth has increased coverage for outpatient malaria services from PhP780 to PhP1,170, including diagnostic smears, rapid tests, Artemether + Lumefantrine medication, consultations, patient education, and counseling.
Members may use these benefits at 1,816 PhilHealth-accredited facilities, including primary care facilities and outpatient malaria centers.
Coverage for malaria without complications ranges from PhP5,460 to PhP7,800.
The Palace Press Officer said the PhilHealth move on malaria care coverage aligns with President Marcos’ directive to implement a faster, more affordable health package to benefit ordinary Filipinos.
She noted that President Marcos has directed all concerned agencies to focus on improving the country’s health services and programs.
“Ayon kay Dr. Edwin Mercado (president and chief executive officer) ng PhilHealth, ang bagong malaria package ay hakbang tungo sa mas mabilis at abot-kayang serbisyo para sa lahat, bilang suporta sa layuning wakasan ang malaria pagsapit ng 2030,” Castro said.
Mercado took office on Feb. 4, 2025.
“Patuloy pa rin ang pagtutok ng administrasyong Marcos sa kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino,” she said.
In 2023, the Department of Health—Research Institute for Tropical Medicine recorded a 90 percent increase in malaria cases, 6,248 compared to the previous year’s 3,245.
In 2024, however, 72 out of 82 Philippine provinces were declared malaria-free. PhilHealth said these developments underscore the necessity of recommitting to efforts to control and eliminate malaria. | PND
