PhilHealth 12 opens service desk in Kalamansig

In pursuit of the Universal Health Care to ensure all Filipinos from all walks of life, PhilHealth XII launched the opening of its Service Desk at the Rural Health Unit (RHU) Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat on May 16, 2019.

“Daku akong pasalamat kay naa na dinhi ang PhilHealth. Dili na ta makagastos og Php750 para atong pamasahe paadto sa ilang Local Health Insurance Office sa Cotabato City (I am thankful that PhilHealth is getting closer. We are now spared from P750.00 transport fare to Cotabato City just to go to Local Health Insurance Office for PhilHealth transaction),” John Labina Amis said during said activity.

“Pasalamat pud ko sa ilahang No Balance Billing Program kay sa usa ka bulan naadmit akong anak sa Cotabato City Regional Medical Center (CRMC) wala jud ko gibayran sa ospital (It’s a big help. My child was admitted at the Cotabato Regional Medical Center and for one month, I have not paid any single centavo. Thanks to the No Balance Billing Policy. I am more thankful,” Amis, a member of Indigenous Peoples (IP) as Manobo, added.

Manobos like him and other minorities in the area are one of the reasons why PhilHealth XII has to set up its extension service in the area.

Having 293,280 projected population with 147,420 registered members and dependents, at least 50 percent more from Kalamansig to Lebak, Palimbang, Sen. Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat could still possibly be enrolled through said office.

Those who are already registered with wrong entries in their IDs and member data records may come to amend their membership status.

Residents from nearby towns of Datu Bla, Datu Odin and Upi Maguindanao may likewise come and transact their PhilHealth concerns in Kalamansig on Mondays and Fridays except on holidays from 8 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon.

PhilHealth XII Acting Regional Vice President, Marjorie A. Cabrieto assured residents in the area of her full support to the program.

“We will deliver everything that is basic with respect to your PhilHealth needs. Feel free to drop by at your most convenient time. You may likewise bring all your issues and concerns including complaints to make our services even better. We are coming closer. We understand how it is like to be deprived. We know the feeling of being in need and far from being reached. Feel at home with your new PhilHealth Office,” she said.

Cabrieto also acknowledged Kalamansig Mayor Eugene Ronan Garcia and the Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Marife Aruta for the warm welcome and accommodation. In response, Mayor Garcia thanked PhilHealth.

“Had I won, we could certainly do more. Nevertheless, may everything that we have started shall be sustained by the new administration,” Garcia, who lost in his reelection bid, said.

PhilHealth Membership Section Head, Nevin L. Hallegado and LHIO Isulan Head, Roberto P. Ontanillas witnessed the distribution of IDs to members.

PhilHealth personnel also conducted “Alaga Ka” orientation and ID Distribution with the help of nurses deployed by the Department of Health. (Hanah Naanep)