PhilHealth expands mental health coverage for Dinagat Islands
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — No one should suffer in silence – help is now within reach.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) recently approved the accreditation of the rural health unit (RHU) of the local government of Libjo in the Province of Dinagat Islands as a health care provider for its outpatient benefit package for mental health.
Considered as the first in the province, mental health care is now accessible to the Dinagatnons, providing them with essential services such as initial assessments, follow-up consultations, diagnostic tests, and psychosocial support, among others for individuals aged 10 and above.
According to Dr. JC Marai Ian L. Obille, municipal health officer, “Mental health care is now more accessible to the Dinagatnons, especially to the residents of Libjo, with the accreditation of the Libjo RHU and Family Planning Center, as a health care provider for outpatient benefits package for mental health.”
The PhilHealth’s Outpatient Mental Health Package provides coverage of up to P9,000 for general mental health services, and P16,000 for specialized care, supporting those individuals who are facing conditions such as depression, psychosis, epilepsy, child and adolescent mental and behavioral disorders, dementia, self-harm or suicide risks, and other mental health concerns.
PhilHealth Caraga Regional Vice President Michael Jibson Hernandez, in his recent visit to the province, gave commitment on strong coordination with the LGU and partner stakeholders to strengthen the services of the state insurer in the province.
Meanwhile, the provincial government of Dinagat Islands, under the leadership of Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr., has bolstered its efforts to bring the government’s mental health services to the province.
Through the Provincial Health Office, it also collaborated with the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga, under its National Mental Health Program, for the recent conduct of a consultation and check-up to over 30 high-risk mental health patients in the province. The individuals were assessed by Dr. Bernardo L. Conde, a neurologist-psychiatrist, and they also received free medicines.
These milestones motivated the provincial government of Dinagat Islands to work closely with key government agencies such as DOH and PhilHealth and partner stakeholders to expand the mental health services in the province, including free mental health consultation and additional accreditation of health care providers, bringing mental health services inclusive and closer to the communities. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from Libjo RHU and Family Planning Center)
