Thank you, Philhealth!

Last month, I went through a medical procedure for the second time. The first time was in November 2011 wherein polyps (which were later diagnosed as benign) were removed. After that first procedure, the doctor strongly recommended that I needed to undergo the said procedure every year, which means that I had to be subjected to it the following year. However, because of financial constraints, I failed to do this.

In November 2013, I felt some pain on my lower back and the doctor said that I needed to subject myself to a similar procedure which was already two years overdue. I fully agreed with the doctor, and said that I will have the procedure done the following month, but again financial constraints still prevented me to do it.

A few months later, I returned to the clinic, and the doctor reminded me once again that it is very important for me to have the procedure repeated, and since the doctor realized that finances is the real reason why I have been delaying this, she told me that I would not spend much if I will not have an anesthesiologist, and since I am a Philhealth member and a senior citizen, I would be spending a lot less.

So in May 2014, after more than two years delay, I had the procedure scheduled. After the procedure, I was truly relieved when I saw the bill because it was much lower than what I paid for more than two years ago. I paid only 27% of the total cost of the procedure, because there was no anesthesiologist in attendance, a big part was shouldered by Philhealth, and I had 20% discount because I am a senior citizen.

The government has been criticized for its many blunders and for inaction, but for once, I am grateful because of the benefit I received for this. Thank you, Philhealth!