Manila: The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has expanded healthcare benefits for more than 2,000 employees through a new Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) contract with MEDOCare Health Systems, Inc.

According to Philippines News Agency, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago emphasized the importance of providing employees with access to healthcare as part of the agency's commitment to supporting the workforce behind its operations. Santiago highlighted the dedication of PPA employees, who continue their work even during storms, and stressed the necessity of taking care of their health and well-being.

The HMO program benefits 2,092 PPA employees, including both regular and contract-of-service personnel, along with their qualified dependents. It offers access to healthcare services via MEDOCare's extensive nationwide network, which includes more than 10,000 specialist doctors and at least 1,000 affiliated hospitals and clinics.

The HMO coverage aligns with the medical allowance benefit under the Compensation and Position Classification System. It follows the authority granted by the Governance Commission for GOCCs to PPA to implement the benefit. Additionally, the agency continues its annual medical and physical examinations for PPA Head Office staff as part of its preventive healthcare initiatives.

The HMO contract was signed on Tuesday by the PANTALAN National Executive Board and the PPA's accredited employees' association, with support from the agency's Human Resource Management Department.