AS PART of its P30-billion assistance package to health care institutions in the fight against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), the state health insurer approved the release of an initial P1.6 billion to various health care institutions who applied for funds under the Interim Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM).
The IRM is Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth)'s financial aid to its partner health institutions affected by natural and man-made calamities that have devastating effects on their ability to continuously provide health care to the people.
The P30 billion set aside by PhilHealth for hospitals and other health care institutions is by far the state agency’s biggest response to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s call to curb the spread of this virus.
The recipient institutions include levels 1 to 3 hospitals, birthing homes, infirmaries and dialysis centers whose allocation is equivalent to three months' worth of claims.
To mobilize as many health care providers in the fight against the pandemic, even hospitals that are currently under sanctions due to certain violations may also apply.
To avail of the IRM, affected hospitals and facilities may apply and submit a signed IRM contract or Memorandum of Agreement to their respective PhilHealth Regional Offices.
The funds shall be released to the hospitals within five working days upon receipt of approved IRM applications from the Central Office. However, releases will be prioritized based on the areas’ Covid-19 incidence. (WBS with PR)