ILOILO City – Amid rising dengue cases across the country, including Western Visayas, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has increased its coverage for mild and severe dengue cases to alleviate the financial burden on patients seeking treatment.
Previously, PhilHealth covered only up to P16,000 for severe dengue cases. This has now been raised to P47,000.
Meanwhile, the coverage for mild dengue cases has increased from P10,000 to P19,500.
While PhilHealth offers financial assistance for hospitalization, it also urges the public to take preventive measures and seek medical consultation at the earliest signs of dengue. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, and skin rash.
“If you experience dengue symptoms or any illness, visit your chosen Konsulta Package Provider immediately. This package is available for all members and their dependents free of charge,” said PhilHealth chief executive officer Edwin M. Mercado in a statement posted on the PhilHealth Region 6 Facebook page.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. While most cases present with flu-like symptoms, severe dengue can lead to life-threatening complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever, which causes bleeding, plasma leakage, and organ impairment.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), assured residents that treatment for dengue remains free at government hospitals, especially for indigent patients.
“Some may hesitate to seek medical care due to financial concerns, but there is no need to worry. Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has issued an executive order ensuring that dengue patients do not have to pay for treatment at our district hospitals,” Quiñon emphasized.
Dengue Cases in Iloilo Surge by 77%
From January 1 to February 15 this year, Iloilo province recorded 592 dengue cases, marking a 77% increase from the 335 cases reported during the same period in 2024. The death toll also rose from one last year to five this year.
The municipalities with the highest number of dengue cases are Leon (33), Oton (32, with one death), San Joaquin (32), Dumangas (31), Cabatuan (28), Lambunao (24), San Dionisio (23), Banate (20), Janiuay (19), and Tigbauan (19, with one death).
Thirty-three other areas also reported dengue cases: Barotac Viejo (18), Estancia (17), Calinog (16), Sara (16), Ajuy (15), Passi City (15), Batad (14), Carles (14, with one death), Guimbal (14), Maasin (14), Pototan (13, with two deaths), Santa Barbara (13), Barotac Nuevo (12), Pavia (12), San Miguel (12), Concepcion (11), Miag-ao (11), Badiangan (10), Alimodian (nine), Leganes (nine), San Rafael (eight), Balasan (seven), Lemery (seven), Mina (seven), Tubungan (five), Anilao (four), New Lucena (four), San Enrique (four), Zarraga (four), Dueñas (two), Igbaras (two), and Bingawan (one).
Dengue Deaths Recorded
As of mid-February, the dengue death toll in Iloilo has reached five. The latest fatality was a two-year-old girl from Tigbauan. The other fatalities include:
* 67-year-old woman from Pototan, who died on January 5
* six-year-old boy from Pototan, who passed away on January 15
* 71-year-old man from Carles, who died on January 22
* an 11-month-old boy from Oton, who died on January 29
Health authorities continue to urge the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, use protective measures such as insect repellents, and seek medical attention at the first sign of dengue to prevent further complications and fatalities./PN
