Dengue sufferers can avail of enhanced benefit package: PhilHealth

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has issued a reminder to the public to avail of its benefit package for dengue treatment as cases continue to rise, particularly in Metro Manila and other regions.

From the previous P16,000 coverage, hospitalization for severe dengue is now covered up to P47,000. Meanwhile, mild dengue cases now have a coverage of P19,000, up from P10,000.

These enhanced rates are part of PhilHealth’s efforts to improve health insurance coverage, following President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand medical benefits for Filipinos.

PhilHealth President and CEO Edwin M. Mercado advised the public to take preventive measures and seek early consultation if experiencing symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, eye pain, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and skin rash.

"If you feel dengue symptoms or any illness, visit your chosen Konsulta Package Provider immediately. The Konsulta Package is available for all members and their dependents free of charge," Mercado said in Filipino.

For inquiries regarding benefit packages for dengue and other conditions, PhilHealth members can contact their 24/7 hotlines at (02) 866-225-88 or through mobile numbers 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, 0917-127-5987, or 0917-110-9812.

DoH sounds alarm

The Department of Health (DoH) has raised concerns over a significant increase in dengue cases across nine local government units (LGUs) in the country.

Among the affected areas is Quezon City, which declared a dengue outbreak last week following 10 reported deaths, mostly among children. Over 1,700 cases were recorded in the city in the first two weeks of February alone.

While the DoH did not disclose the other eight affected LGUs, it confirmed that the rise in cases is concentrated in Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila.

“DoH Centers for Health Development (regional offices), through their respective Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Units (RESU), have been advising their counterparts at the LGU level,” the department stated.

DoH spokesperson Albert Domingo noted that as of 1 February, the country had recorded 28,234 dengue cases, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year.

"What is more concerning is why this is happening so early in the year," Domingo said, explaining that dengue cases usually peak during the rainy season in June and July.

He attributed the early surge to climate change, poor community management, and inadequate infrastructure, stressing the need for year-round preventive measures.

“The clean-up drive is not seasonal; it must happen year-round.” Domingo said.

As the DoH intensifies efforts to control the outbreak, officials are urging communities to maintain clean surroundings and eliminate mosquito breeding sites to curb the spread of the disease.