BACOLOD City – The Bacolod Our Lady of Mercy Specialty Hospital will not close anytime soon.
This after the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and the hospital’s management agreed for an “amicable settlement” to prevent the health facility’s abrupt shutdown.
Last week, hospital president Dr. Nestor Amante sent Department of Labor and Employment regional director Johnson Cañete a notice informing the latter that the facility will no longer accept patients due to a planned June 19 closure.
Amante did such after PhilHealth denied the hospital’s application for continuous accreditation as a Level 2 health provider.
PhilHealth regional vice president Lourdes Diocson in a letter said the hospital’s application was denied due to “conviction and fraudulent acts” in violation of the National Health Insurance Act of 2013.
The hospital is guilty of fabricated claims for cataract surgeries in 2006, the PhilHealth said.
The planned shutdown of the “hospital for the poor” was opposed by health and labor groups, claiming that it will displace 231 dialysis patients and around 400 employees.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia called on the two parties at the Bacolod City Government Center on Friday night for a meeting that lasted for almost three hours.
“This issue is a matter of public interest and we must explore all avenues to prevent a disruption of health care services and even loss of jobs,” Leonardia stressed. “I appeal to all parties concerned to keep an open mind and pursue a solution for the good of the community.”
Diocson and Amante agreed that pending resolution of the issue, the hospital will continue its operations until July 30.
“Everybody was happy after the meeting. It was a win-win solution,” Amante said.
Diocson and Amante were thankful for the city government for “bringing [the hospital] and PhilHealth together to clear up the issue on the closure.”
Diocson added that the hospital and PhilHealth will “work together to ensure the availability of services at the hospital.” (With reports from PNA, Bacolod City PIO/PN)
