The alleged overpriced coronavirus testing package offered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. will be under investigation upon the orders of President Duterte, Malacañang announced yesterday.
The President has expressed concern about the “discrepancy” in the testing costs between PhilHealth and the private sector and sought “answers” on the issue, according to presidential spokesman Harry Roque.
“Bibigyan ko po ng kumpirmasyon na nababahala ang Presidente lalung-lalo doon sa pagkakaiba ng presyo ng testing kit ‘no, na kapag pribadong sektor ang bumili is 1,750,000 pero kapag gobyerno ang bumili ay four million. So nais po niya ng kasagutan and investigation,” Roque said.
“Kasi hindi po nga niya maintindihan gaya ng buong sambayanan kung bakit ganoon kalaki ang discrepancy,” he added.
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon had earlier expressed alarm over the alleged overpricing of PhilHealth’s testing packages, saying the potential revenue loss may reach over P8.3 billion.
Drilon said the health insurance agency pays hospital and testing centers P8,150 per test while the Philippine Red Cross can do the same test at P4,000.
He described the PhilHealth’s price tag as “ridiculous” and “reeks of corruption or negligence” especially the private sector can do the test at half the price.
At present, PhilHealth covers the treatment costs of coronavirus patients through its new case rate packages.
The State health firm also committed to pay for coronavirus tests ranging between P2,710 to P8,150.
In his recent weekly report to Congress, the President said PhilHealth has released P13.138 billion to 546 PhilHealth-accredited hospitals through its interim reimbursement mechanism measure as of May 14.
It has paid 3,751,170 PhilHealth claims amounting to P36,728,255,308.87 with check payment dates from January 1 to May 13. (Genalyn Kabiling)
