PhilHealth sign. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA Philippines — Members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) may avail of permanent contraceptive measures for free.
Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., PhilHealth’s chief executive officer, made the reminder in a statement issued on Sunday that the state insurer offers vasectomy and ligation procedures for men and women and long-term reversible birth control measures such as intrauterine devices (IUD) and subdermal contraceptive implants.
“We would like to inform everyone that these benefits are automatically given and available at all PhilHealth accredited hospitals and ambulatory surgical clinics and primary care facilities,” Ledesma said.
The package will cover counseling and client assessment, professional fees, use of facilities, medicines, and post-care within 90 days of the surgery which does not require hospitalization.
“The healthcare facility fee component includes room and board at the hospital or clinic; drugs to be used in surgery and while confined; X-ray, laboratory, and other ancillary procedures and services; and supplies to be used in the operation itself and during confinement,” Ledesma said.