Bayan Muna to gov’t: Probe ‘ghost’ kidney treatments paid by PhilHealth

MANILA, Philippines — Bayan Muna representatives have called on the government to investigate the reported “ghost” kidney dialysis treatment being paid by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

An investigative report of the Inquirer bared that WellMed Dialysis & Laboratory Center Corp. (WellMed) in Quezon City continues to ask PhilHealth for dialysis payments even when their patients have already passed away.

READ: PhilHealth pays for ghost kidney treatments

“‘Ghost’ dialysis patients have been draining money from PhilHealth, which bodes ill also for patients, primarily,” Bayan Muna chair Neri Colmenares lamented in a statement Thursday.

“The funds meant for them go to the pockets of some shady business owners. This should not continue to happen as we push for free dialysis for poor patients,” he added.

For Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, Congress should launch the investigation on the issue the soonest possible time.

“Maraming namamatay dahil hindi nila kaya ang mataas na bayarin para sa dialysis treatments. Sa kabila nito, ay nakukuhang pang nakawan pa sila ng ilang mapagsamantalang negosyo,” said the Davao-based solon, as he vowed to continue pushing for a law granting free dialysis to poor patients in the 18th Congress.

READ: Free dialysis treatment for poor patients gets House nod

(Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)