80,000 inmates covered by PhilHealth

More than 80,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in facilities of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) will gain access to health coverage under a partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

The state insurer announced the initiative following the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the BJMP on 5 October, allowing PDLs in 28 detention facilities nationwide to be registered with PhilHealth.

“Universal Health Care means every Filipino, including those in detention,” PhilHealth acting president and chief executive officer Beverly Ho said after signing the agreement with BJMP jail director Efren Nemeno.

“Through partnerships like this, PhilHealth is working alongside our fellow government agencies to make sure that no Filipino is left outside the reach of care,” Ho added.

Under the agreement, BJMP clinics will be accredited by PhilHealth and gain access to benefits and services under the insurer’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program.

PhilHealth said the partnership marks a significant step toward ensuring equitable healthcare access and protecting the health and welfare of Filipinos, including those in detention facilities.

The collaboration is also intended to strengthen healthcare delivery in jails and support a more inclusive and responsive health system under the Universal Health Care program.