Manila: Members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) are encouraged to take advantage of benefit packages of up to PHP24,765 for hepatitis-related conditions as the country observes Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis Awareness and Prevention Month.
According to Philippine News Agency, the state insurer highlighted that these benefit packages are designed to alleviate the financial strain of treatment and bolster efforts to prevent liver cancer, often associated with chronic Hepatitis B and C virus infections.
PhilHealth's case rate packages offer up to PHP23,010 for chronic viral hepatitis, up to PHP20,865 for sequelae of viral hepatitis, and up to PHP24,765 for congenital viral hepatitis. Hepatitis B and C infections can cause liver inflammation and scarring, potentially leading to liver cancer if untreated. Early detection and prevention are crucial, PhilHealth emphasized, reminding members that liver cancer screening is covered under its YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program), which includes screening tests and liver ultrasound procedures for early detection. These services are available at accredited cancer-screening facilities nationwide with a referral from a YAKAP clinic physician.
As a preventive measure, the public is urged to undergo regular screening and surveillance, complete recommended vaccinations-particularly against Hepatitis B-avoid liver-damaging foods and substances, and maintain a balanced diet with regular exercise. For inquiries about benefits, PhilHealth members may contact the 24/7 hotline at (02) 8662-2588 or mobile numbers 0998-8572957, 0968-8654670, 0917-1275987, and 0917-1109812, or visit www.philhealth.gov.ph.
In a related advisory, the Department of Health (DOH) emphasized that many illnesses, including life-threatening diseases, can be prevented through timely and complete vaccination. The DOH urged parents, guardians, pregnant women, and senior citizens to avail themselves of free vaccines offered at primary care facilities nationwide, including local government unit (LGU) health centers and DOH-managed Bulilit Centers of Care. These vaccines have proven safe and effective in preventing severe illness, with the cost of treatment significantly higher than prevention through vaccination.
For infants aged 0 to 12 months, free vaccines include Bacillus Calmette-Gu©rin (BCG) for tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Pentavalent vaccine, Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), and the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. School-aged children in Grade 1 and Grade 7 can receive Measles-Rubella (MR) and Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) vaccines, while Grade 4 girls may obtain the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to help prevent cervical cancer.
Pregnant women are encouraged to get the tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine for protection against tetanus and related complications. Senior citizens aged 60 and above can access free influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, crucial for preventing severe respiratory infections. The DOH reiterated the importance of consulting local health centers to check vaccination schedules and complete all recommended vaccines, underscoring that immunization is a shared responsibility in keeping communities healthy.
