PhilHealth is encouraging its members in Western Visayas to register for the Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (KonSulTa) Package and avail of the First Patient Encounter (FPE), which focuses on preventive healthcare services.
Janimhe Jalbuna, head of PhilHealth Region 6’s Public Affairs Unit, reported that as of March 18, 1,751,871 members and dependents have enrolled in the program, but only 58,826 have availed of their FPE.
“KonSulTa is the flagship program of PhilHealth, where we give a premium to the preventive side of our health services. Our PhilHealth KonSulTa gives a premium on early detection of any medical condition and early intervention. Since this is prevention, we would like to see a lesser population getting sick,” she said.
She urged members to visit KonSulTa providers even if they feel well, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups. However, she admitted that participation remains low despite previous promotional efforts, including KonSulTa caravans.
To boost awareness, PhilHealth plans to hold a KonSulTa Run in every province this year. “Hopefully, they would be able to see the importance of this KonSulTa and give time to this,” she added.
Among the registered members, Aklan has 296,075, Antique 180,366, Capiz 206,113, Guimaras 77,682, Iloilo 353,367, and Negros Occidental 638,268. However, FPE participation remains significantly lower, with Aklan at 20,084, Antique 3,372, Capiz 30,278, Iloilo 4,916, and Negros Occidental only 176.
PhilHealth has accredited 182 providers as of March 14, with nine more undergoing accreditation. “We need to accredit more facilities and it would be better if they have more doctors,” Jalbuna noted.
The KonSulTa program offers free primary care services, laboratory tests, diagnostics like ultrasound and mammogram, and medications for enrolled members and their dependents.