Manila: The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has approved the expansion of its Z benefit package to include orthopedic services for victims of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit Cebu on September 30.

According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo announced this development during an interview at the "PinaSigla: Isang Flex para sa Masiglang Pilipinas!" national health fair launch at Rizal Park in Manila. He stated that the PhilHealth Board of Directors approved the expansion during a formal meeting.

Domingo explained that PhilHealth will cover orthopedic services for patients whose injuries were caused by the earthquake and its aftershocks. He noted that many patients have suffered broken bones or required implants due to injuries, which are costly but will be covered by PhilHealth until the state of calamity is lifted.

He further mentioned that zero balance billing is in place at the three DOH hospitals in Cebu. The DOH's ongoing earthquake response includes deploying additional mental health specialists to the province. The Mental Health and Psychosocial Service team will be sent on a rotational basis to address mental health needs, complementing existing health emergency response teams.