The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has increased its coverage for outpatient malaria services by 50 percent, from P780 to P1,170, as part of efforts to bolster the country’s fight against the disease.
This is part of its renewed commitment to support the country’s goal of eliminating the disease by 2030, after it saw a sharp rise in cases last year.
In the Philippines, Palawan is the only remaining province with active malaria cases.
In 2024, 8,898 cases were recorded in Palawan, a jump of 41.5 percent from the 6,285 cases in 2023.
Most of the malaria cases recorded in Palawan came from the southern portion, with the town of Rizal accounting for 62 percent of the total.
Other areas in Palawan where malaria cases were recorded include Brooke’s Point, Bataraza, Quezon, and Sofronio Española.
This move comes amid a concerning rise in malaria cases, with the Department of Health’s Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) reporting a 90 percent increase in 2023 — from 3,245 cases in 2022 to 6,248.
Despite this, 72 out of 82 provinces have already been declared malaria-free as of 2024, signaling progress in the nationwide campaign against the disease.
PhilHealth has also reaffirmed its role in the malaria elimination effort by enhancing its benefit packages.
These services include diagnostic malaria smears, rapid diagnostic tests, medicines (Artemether + Lumefantrine), as well as consultations, patient education, and counseling.
Members may avail themselves of these benefits at any of the 1,816 accredited facilities, including primary care clinics, outpatient malaria centers, and level 1 to 3 hospitals.
For cases of uncomplicated malaria, PhilHealth provides additional coverage of P5,460 at primary care facilities and P7,800 at hospitals.
The updated benefit packages aim to improve access to timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and preventive care, reinforcing the country’s sustained efforts to eradicate malaria. / CAV/ PR, JJL