CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Officials of Pampanga and Philhealth called on dialysis patients in the province not to sign blank billing statements to avoid overcharging the government for medical services they receive.

Capitol officials met with operators of dialysis centers and PhilHealth officials on issues surrounding the billing statement of dialysis patients.

Representatives of the dialysis centers in the province and PhilHealth officials answered the questions of the Capitol officials about the charges and fees of the dialysis patients during a committee hearing led by Vice Governor Lilia "Nanay" Pineda and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Philhealth's hemodialysis coverage has been increased from 90 sessions to 156 sessions.

Philhealth officials said all Filipinos are automatic members of Philhealth as long as they take a social case study from social welfare offices that proves that they do not have the ability to pay.

They added that the national government will cover their Philhealth payments.

The guests during the hearing were invited to assist in the ongoing "Alagang Nanay Preventive Healthcare Program" of Governor Dennis "Delta" Pineda aimed at helping the needs of Kapampangan dialysis patients.