MANILA – On Feb. 14 of this year, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is celebrating its 24th anniversary since its creation in 1995 with the passage of Republic Act 7875, otherwise known as the National Health Insurance Act of 1995.
Also in this month of hearts that the nation is observing the National Health Insurance Program Month by virtue of Proclamation 1400, s. 2007 aimed at stimulating public awareness social health insurance issues and encouraging its partners nationwide to fulfill their roles that will lead to its success.
As the country awaits another milestone with the imminent passage of Universal Health Care (UHC) into law, this year’s commemoration shall have the theme “PhilHealth @ 24: Tungo sa Kalusugan Para sa Lahat”.
Highlighting the celebration are the simultaneous holding of a road show entitled “PhilHealth Forward” in Pampanga, Laguna, Cebu, and General Santos City on February 14. The PhilHealth Forward features new services and benefits for the members, recent innovations, best practices of PhilHealth offices, and new tie ups with various stakeholders, among others.
A Health Care Financing Summit will also be held on the second week of March. This collaborative engagement entitled “Multiple Lenses, One Collective Action on Health Financing: A Framework for Action” is expected to draw needed strategies at different levels and seek collective actions for the effective implementation of UHC. Part of this event is a recognition rites to honor outstanding stakeholders and partners.
According to PhilHealth Acting President and CEO, Dr. Roy B. Ferrer, “PhilHealth extremely values the contributions of key partners who have had a significant part on our laudable performance the previous year. It is but proper that we give them tribute for their contributions to the overall success of PhilHealth”.
Ferrer also said that the month-long observance will be marked by a simultaneous thanksgiving celebration on Feb. 14.
Moreover, a stage musical contest will also be held as part of the employee engagement activities through the showcase of talents. Talents from various regional offices will vie for the coveted title, the championship round of which is expected to happen on the second week of March in Manila.
As the most trusted social protection agency in the country, PhilHealth will also hold a corporate social responsibility initiative with select charitable institutions at different sites in the country, while a special Press event dubbed “Kapihan with Media” will also be held for key PhilHealth officers to announce various developments at the state health insurance agency in the run up to the UHC.
“As we move to our 24th year, PhilHealth’s spirit continues to soar high as we prepare ourselves to the coming of the UHC. Our commitment to the health of the Filipino remains strong which is the very essence of our existence,” Ferrer declared./PN
