PhilHealth to come up with detox package for drug dependents

Marchel P. Espina

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PhilHealth to come up with detox package for drug dependents
The program is a case-rate package worth P10,000 that will include confinement, hospital and professional fees

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – State-run Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is coming up with a medical detoxification package to help drug dependents in the country.

This was confirmed by Israel Francis Pargas, vice president of PhilHealth Corporate Affairs Group, in a press conference at SMX Convention Center, Thursday afternoon, September 29.

This is PhilHealth’s response to the anti-drug campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte, he said.

Pargas said the board approved the P10,000-package for every drug patient but “the implementing rules and regulations and specific guidelines is still being routed for approval.”

“Hopefully, it would be approved the soonest time possible,” he said, adding that the IRR will be out within the year.

Once the IRR is out, PhilHealth will inform the public on how this will be implemented in all hospital-accredited facilities that will provide this benefit, Pargas said.

“This program is part of the drug rehabilitation of the government spearheaded by the Department of Health,” he added.

Asked if how much was allocated to the program, Pargas said that “just like any other benefit, it’s part of the actuarial projection. We don’t limit or provide any specific amount.”

He said that those who would need to go into the detoxification package will depend on the doctor’s recommentation.

Paragas said the allocation for the program will be part of the Corporate Operating Budget and benefit payment.

He also said the program is a case-rate package, which is P10,000, just like any other packages.

Paragas said the program will include confinement, hospital and professional fees. “Hospital fee will include room and board, drugs needed in the detoxification, diagnostics if any, and supplies, and the rest is for professional fee,” he added.

Under the program, it’s the doctor who will determine if the patient will need to undergo detoxification, Pargas said, adding that this is for drug dependents who are showing withdrawal symptoms and that they would need confinement.

Earlier, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr wrote Duterte a letter, telling him about his proposal to include drug rehabilitation in the coverage of PhilHealth to address the influx of drug surrenderers in the country. – Rappler.com

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