The League of Cities of the Philippines recently concluded its 1st Policy Dialogue aimed at fostering meaningful consultation with the national governments on current issues affecting Philippine cities on May 04, 2012 at Century Park Hotel, Manila.
The first dialogue featured Philhealth officials including its President and CEO, Dr. Eduardo Banzon who discussed the new Philhealth's sponsored program for its indigents.
During the dialogue, the new program however was met with skepticism by the city mayors and representatives since Philhealth's list of indigent patients do not match with those of the cities.
By 2013, local governments will pay a new increased premium amounting to Php 1,200 for those excluded in the Philhealth's National Housing Target System List. By 2014, all local governments will pay a premium amounting to Php 2,400 for each indigent patient that is not included in the list of Philhealth's sponsored program. This poses big constraints to most local governments including 4th-6th class cities and municipalities.
As a proactive measure, LCP inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Philhealth to ensure that both Philhealth's and cities' list of indigent patients match. The MOU will also let both agencies share technical experts for policy and program development and share information of best practices in improving health policies.