NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Bong Go Cheers PhilHealth's Expanded Malaria Coverage: 'Healthcare Should Be Within Everyone's Reach!'
Photo credit: Bong Go
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is once again making waves in the healthcare scene.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Go warmly welcomed PhilHealth’s latest move to expand outpatient care coverage for malaria. It’s a big step in the ongoing fight to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for every Filipino.
In case you missed it, PhilHealth recently announced that it’s bumping up its outpatient benefits for malaria from P780 to P1,170. That means members can now get diagnostic tests, medicines like Artemether + Lumefantrine, and even medical consultations at over 1,800 accredited facilities nationwide—whether at primary care centers, malaria hubs, or hospitals.
And that’s not all. If you’re diagnosed with malaria (without complications), you’re also covered for inpatient treatment worth P5,460 at primary care facilities or P7,800 if you need to stay in a hospital.
This comes at a crucial time. While 72 out of 82 provinces have been declared malaria-free, the Department of Health’s Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) reported a 90% surge in cases from 2022 to 2023. So yes, while there’s been real progress, the fight isn’t over yet.
For Senator Go, this expansion is a win for all Filipinos.
“Napakahalaga po ng bawat hakbang na ginagawa natin para mas mapalapit ang serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan,” he said. “Dapat walang Pilipinong hindi kayang magpagamot dahil lang sa kakulangan sa pera.”
He also tied the move to this year’s World Malaria Day theme: “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.” Bong Go reminded everyone that healthcare reforms shouldn’t only happen during crises—it’s something we should keep pushing for, together, every day.
This isn’t a one-off win either. Senator Go has been consistently fighting for better healthcare policies, especially at PhilHealth. Thanks to his efforts:
• The Single Period of Confinement (SPC) rule was scrapped (this rule used to restrict multiple claims for related illnesses within 90 days).
• The outdated 24-hour confinement requirement was abolished, allowing patients to get outpatient benefits even if they weren’t confined for a full day.
• The 45-day limit on hospital stays for PhilHealth members was lifted, a huge help especially for those with chronic illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and kidney failure.
Plus, benefit packages for common illnesses like UTI, influenza, and gastroenteritis have been improved too. Senator Go says that while these are major wins, the work isn’t done yet.
“Hindi pa tapos ang laban para gawing mas maayos ang serbisyo ng PhilHealth,” he stressed. “Kailangan siguraduhin natin na ‘yung mga pangunahing sanhi ng pagkamatay sa ating bansa ay sapat ang benepisyo at suporta.”
In short: more reforms, more support, more lives saved.
Senator Go remains firm in his advocacy, reminding everyone that PhilHealth is not a business—it’s a public service funded by everyday Filipinos.
“Ang pera ng PhilHealth ay dapat na gamitin sa health!” he said. “Hindi negosyo ang PhilHealth. Insurance ’yan para sa mga Pilipino!”
As the Philippines steps closer toward eliminating malaria and making universal healthcare a reality, Bong Go is keeping his eyes on the goal: a healthier, stronger nation where no Filipino is left behind.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Go warmly welcomed PhilHealth’s latest move to expand outpatient care coverage for malaria. It’s a big step in the ongoing fight to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for every Filipino.
In case you missed it, PhilHealth recently announced that it’s bumping up its outpatient benefits for malaria from P780 to P1,170. That means members can now get diagnostic tests, medicines like Artemether + Lumefantrine, and even medical consultations at over 1,800 accredited facilities nationwide—whether at primary care centers, malaria hubs, or hospitals.
And that’s not all. If you’re diagnosed with malaria (without complications), you’re also covered for inpatient treatment worth P5,460 at primary care facilities or P7,800 if you need to stay in a hospital.
This comes at a crucial time. While 72 out of 82 provinces have been declared malaria-free, the Department of Health’s Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) reported a 90% surge in cases from 2022 to 2023. So yes, while there’s been real progress, the fight isn’t over yet.
For Senator Go, this expansion is a win for all Filipinos.
“Napakahalaga po ng bawat hakbang na ginagawa natin para mas mapalapit ang serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan,” he said. “Dapat walang Pilipinong hindi kayang magpagamot dahil lang sa kakulangan sa pera.”
He also tied the move to this year’s World Malaria Day theme: “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.” Bong Go reminded everyone that healthcare reforms shouldn’t only happen during crises—it’s something we should keep pushing for, together, every day.
This isn’t a one-off win either. Senator Go has been consistently fighting for better healthcare policies, especially at PhilHealth. Thanks to his efforts:
• The Single Period of Confinement (SPC) rule was scrapped (this rule used to restrict multiple claims for related illnesses within 90 days).
• The outdated 24-hour confinement requirement was abolished, allowing patients to get outpatient benefits even if they weren’t confined for a full day.
• The 45-day limit on hospital stays for PhilHealth members was lifted, a huge help especially for those with chronic illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and kidney failure.
Plus, benefit packages for common illnesses like UTI, influenza, and gastroenteritis have been improved too. Senator Go says that while these are major wins, the work isn’t done yet.
“Hindi pa tapos ang laban para gawing mas maayos ang serbisyo ng PhilHealth,” he stressed. “Kailangan siguraduhin natin na ‘yung mga pangunahing sanhi ng pagkamatay sa ating bansa ay sapat ang benepisyo at suporta.”
In short: more reforms, more support, more lives saved.
Senator Go remains firm in his advocacy, reminding everyone that PhilHealth is not a business—it’s a public service funded by everyday Filipinos.
“Ang pera ng PhilHealth ay dapat na gamitin sa health!” he said. “Hindi negosyo ang PhilHealth. Insurance ’yan para sa mga Pilipino!”
As the Philippines steps closer toward eliminating malaria and making universal healthcare a reality, Bong Go is keeping his eyes on the goal: a healthier, stronger nation where no Filipino is left behind.
Apr 28, 2025
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
