A sharper safety net now awaits Filipino mothers as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a major increase in PhilHealth maternity benefits, raising coverage for childbirth and expanding prenatal and postnatal care support nationwide.
The President on Wednesday said many families continue to struggle with the cost of giving birth, noting that expenses for checkups, laboratory tests, hospital confinement, and medicines often delay or limit proper maternal care.
“Maraming ina ang nanganganak na walang doktor. Hindi ayaw nila ng tamang pangalaga, kundi hindi nila kaya ang panggastos. Ito ang nais nating baguhin,” Marcos said.
Under the expanded package, PhilHealth will implement higher benefit ceilings starting April 30.
Coverage for normal delivery will rise from P9,750 to P29,000.
For cesarean sections, benefits will increase from P37,000 to a range of P58,000 to P62,000.
The government said the adjustment is expected to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket payments for many patients, particularly in ward accommodations and select private facilities.
The expansion also strengthens maternal care before and after childbirth. PhilHealth will now cover up to eight prenatal checkups, double the previous limit of four, including vaccines and laboratory examinations needed during pregnancy.
Postnatal care will likewise expand, with three follow-up visits provided for mothers after delivery.
Marcos said the program centers on ensuring safe childbirth without financial distress, especially for low-income families who often postpone medical care due to cost.
“Simple lamang ang ating layunin. Nais natin matiyak na ang bawat ina ay makakapanganak na ligtas at hindi nag-aalala kung saan kukuha ng pambayad. Nais natin na walang buhay ang malalagay sa panganib dahil lamang sa kakulangan ng pera,” he said.
The expanded maternity package forms part of the administration’s broader push to widen access to healthcare services and strengthen protection for mothers and children across the country.
Photo courtesy of Al Jazeera
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