Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the expansion of PhilHealth maternity benefits. Videograb from the Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. video/Facebook.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Wednesday an increase in maternity benefits under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), set to take effect on April 30.
He said the coverage for normal delivery in hospitals would rise to P29,000 from the previous Php 9,750.
Benefits for caesarean section procedures were also increased, with coverage set at P58,000 from Php 37,000.
The president said prenatal care services under PhilHealth were also expanded as part of the changes.
He noted that the number of covered prenatal checkups would increase from four to eight.
Additional services such as vaccinations and laboratory tests were also included in the updated benefits.
Marcos said postnatal care would now cover three follow up visits after childbirth.
He said the expanded coverage aimed to help mothers access safe delivery services while easing the financial burden of hospital expenses.