PhilHealth commended for expanding HIV, AIDS treatments
The PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office in Caloocan City. Photo from PhilHealth’s website
MANILA, Philippines – House Assistant Majority Leader Jude Acidre has commended the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for nearly doubling the annual benefit under its Outpatient HIV/AIDS Treatment (OHAT) Package, increasing it from P30,000 to P58,500.
Acidre, who represents the Tingog party-list, said the 95-percent increase is expected to encourage more people living with HIV to seek treatment and motivate others to undergo regular testing.
“This is crucial in preventing disease progression and controlling its spread,” Acidre said in a statement on Sunday.
PhilHealth previously said the expanded package covers antiretroviral therapy for all confirmed HIV-positive individuals regardless of their clinical status and provides access to essential HIV management services.
The benefits are available at 234 Department of Health-accredited treatment facilities nationwide, it added.
Article continues after this advertisementPhilHealth has assured its members that they could simultaneously avail of the OHAT Package and the Tuberculosis Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (TB-DOTS) benefit at accredited facilities, ensuring broader healthcare coverage.
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In 2024, PhilHealth disbursed P1.66 billion for 176,819 HIV/AIDS outpatient claims, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen healthcare benefits and financial support for patients.
Acidre noted that the increase comes at a critical time, as the country faces a rising number of HIV cases.
He said the Department of Health recorded 4,595 new cases from July to September 2024, averaging 50 new diagnoses daily.
“Notably, 28 percent of these cases were diagnosed with advanced HIV infections at the time of diagnosis. The total number of PLHIV in the country is projected to reach 215,400 by the end of 2024,” he said.
Central Visayas remains one of the most affected regions, ranking fourth in reported HIV cases, he added.
The House leader also noted that most cases involve individuals aged 15 to 34, with male-to-male transmission as the leading mode of infection.
Acidre stressed the need to eliminate the stigma surrounding HIV, saying it remains a major barrier to testing and treatment.
“This expansion is not just about financial aid. It is a step toward eliminating the stigma surrounding HIV. When people know they have enough support, they will be more open to getting tested and treated,” he said.
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Acidre also called for intensified education and awareness campaigns to complement the expanded benefits, emphasizing the importance of safe practices, regular testing, and fighting HIV-related stigma.
“We need to strengthen education and awareness about HIV. Proper information and understanding are key to preventing its spread,” he said in Filipino.
He expressed hope that PhilHealth’s move would lead to more accessible and effective HIV care while urging continued improvements in the country’s healthcare services.
