Philhealth appreciates PIDS in the formulation of their policies

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) in Eastern Visayas appreciates the importance of policy research and studies in nation building and policymaking. In a press conference held recently at Ocho Grill Tacloban City in line with the celebration of the 11th Development Policy Research Month, Renato Limciaco of Philhealth region 8 said, studies made by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) have helped them in the formulation of their programs and policies which will address the health concerns of the members. Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) is an attached agency of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) engaged in long-term policy-oriented research to assist the government in planning and policy-formulation. As reported by Philhealth, Eastern Visayas particularly the Province of Leyte has the most number of enrollees at Philhealth through the LGU-indigent sponsored program in support of the government’s program for inclusive economic growth and development. Philhealth Vice President Walter Bacareza informed their office in partnership with the local government units in the region have now enrolled 970 thousand poor families which are under philhealth protection. Reports also disclosed the national government has allotted P35.8 billion to provide health insurance coverage to poor families nationwide starting next year.