Quezon City received a substantial boost in public health funding as it secured P76.6 million in reimbursements from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for providing HIV/AIDS treatment services to over 3,000 patients between 1 January 2024 and 18 July 2025.

The amount covers 3,086 claims under PhilHealth’s expanded Outpatient HIV/AIDS Treatment (OHAT) Package and represents a significant reimbursement for a single city in Metro Manila. While official rankings are unavailable, the disbursement underscores the increasing role of healthcare financing in supporting local health systems and strengthening institutional capacity.

PhilHealth Acting President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Edwin M. Mercado personally led the ceremonial turnover of the check on 23 July. The check was received by Quezon City Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, witnessed by Quezon City Health Officer Dr. Romana Abarquez, PhilHealth NCR Vice President Dr. Bernadette Lico, and other PhilHealth officers.

Expanded package, expanded access

The OHAT Package has been enhanced to P58,500 annually per patient, up from the previous P30,000 – a 95 percent increase. The package now covers a wider range of services, including anti-retroviral therapy (ART), baseline laboratory tests, and necessary health interventions for people living with HIV (PLHIV), regardless of their clinical status.

In 2024 alone, PhilHealth processed 176,819 OHAT claims nationwide, amounting to P1.66 billion in reimbursements. The increased funding supports not only patient care but also local health institutions, enabling them to expand services and retain specialized healthcare workers.

The expansion bolstered differentiated HIV care and treatment services amid the rising number of infections. According to the Department of Health, the country continues to see an average of over 50 new HIV cases per day, underscoring the urgency of intervention.

PhilHealth’s commitment to this initiative has led to the accreditation of 271 HIV Treatment Hubs nationwide, including those in Quezon City such as Klinika Bernardo, Klinika Novaliches, and Klinika Eastwood. These facilities provide free consultations, counseling, diagnostics, and access to ART.

Economic impact beyond health

Beyond health outcomes, the P76.6 million reimbursement also represents a strategic investment into the local economy. It allows Quezon City’s treatment hubs to enhance operations, hire more personnel, and increase outreach. For the city government, it is a strong example of how healthcare funding can translate into economic stimulus and public sector efficiency.

PhilHealth is also encouraging more eligible members to avail of the OHAT benefits. The state insurer emphasized that the package may be used concurrently with its TB-DOTS benefits for patients co-infected with tuberculosis.

Additionally, as part of broader benefit reforms, PhilHealth has increased 9,000 case rate packages by 50 percent, without raising member premiums, demonstrating its fiscal responsiveness in the face of evolving public health needs.

As the healthcare sector becomes more integrated into national development priorities, mechanisms like PhilHealth’s OHAT Package are proving to be both life-saving and economically impactful. For LGUs like Quezon City, the blend of health policy and financial infrastructure offers a sustainable model for addressing public health challenges through business-oriented governance.