PHILHHEALTH-DAVAO has significantly increased its coverage for severe Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, raising financial support by 194 percent since September 2024.
Regional Vice President Atty. Harvey L. Carcedo announced the expansion during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum on February 19, 2025, at Apo View Hotel in Davao City.
Dr. Marie Allexis F. Campaner, chief of PhilHealth-Davao’s Health Care Delivery Management Division, said that the benefit package for severe dengue has increased from P16,000 to P47,000.
The package covers all medical services provided to the patient within the hospital, including professional fees, emergency room care, hospitalization, and necessary medications.
“So that is the professional fee of the doctor, yung kanyang pag-aalaga sa kanya sa e.r. Palang, pagpasok sa kanyang room, and up to her discharge so lahat po ng services na binigay po sa pasyente, lahat ng medications na pinainom, or inenject sa pasyente ay naka cover na po ng package (This includes the doctor’s fees, emergency room care, hospitalization, and all medications given, whether taken orally or injected),” she said.
She emphasized that the expanded package aims to ease the financial burden on patients and ensure comprehensive care. The increased coverage has been in effect since September 2024.
To avail of the benefit, a hospital must confirm the patient’s diagnosis of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, after which the package will be applied. Patients need only to present a valid PhilHealth ID to qualify.
Campaner also noted that Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever is among the top 10 most common illnesses covered by PhilHealth in the Davao Region.
Other frequently covered conditions include pneumonia, urinary tract infections, acute gastritis, bronchial asthma, hypertension, and stroke. These illnesses receive a higher coverage adjustment—often exceeding 100 percent—due to their significant health impact.
In 2024, dengue cases surged in several areas of the Davao Region, with outbreaks reported in Tagum City and Digos City. Nationwide, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded a higher number of dengue cases from January 1 to May 4, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. RGP