The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPI) has called on its member hospitals to improve their medical and healthcare services in light of recent rate increases.
PHAPI attributed the rise in private hospital costs to inflation. In an interview with Super Radyo DZBB, PHAPI President Dr. Jose Rene de Grano said the increase began last year, averaging around 5% due to persistent inflationary pressures.
He noted that as hospital expenses—including goods, supplies, and staff salaries—continue to rise this year, some hospitals have added another 5% to their rates.
The price adjustment affects various charges, including room rates and laboratory fees. “The costs of the materials we use in laboratories, along with the equipment, have gone up,” De Grano explained.
However, he pointed out that the increase in PhilHealth coverage has helped cushion the impact on patients. “This year, our PhilHealth benefits have nearly doubled, with an increase of around 95%,” he said.
For example, if a patient’s bill was previously P50,000 and PhilHealth covered P20,000, the total bill might now increase to P70,000. But with PhilHealth coverage rising to P30,000 or P35,000, the patient’s out-of-pocket expense is less affected.
De Grano emphasized that hospitals must ensure improved services alongside any rate hikes. “What we, as hospital members, are saying is that if you are going to raise rates, you must also enhance your services. Justify your rate increase,” he said.
