Manila Doctors Hospital defends handling of patient in PhilHealth benefits dispute

Hospital issues statement amid scrutiny over emergency coverage rules and 24-hour confinement policy

The controversy surrounding PhilHealth’s benefit policies deepened after Manila Doctors Hospital released its first public statement on a case that has triggered widespread calls for institutional change over the state insurer’s coverage rules.

The statement was made days after a case went viral involving care provided at Manila Doctors Hospital, where the patient later died. In the account of widow Maria Lourdes Sulit, she said her husband died from a brain hematoma after their family failed to raise enough money for emergency surgery. She later claimed she was told that he was not entitled to PhilHealth benefits because he had been confined for less than 24 hours.

While PhilHealth pointed to possible inconsistencies in hospitals’ familiarity with its benefit packages, Manila Doctors maintained that coverage guidelines and eligibility requirements had been properly explained to the family of the late PhilHealth member.

Without naming a specific case, Manila Doctors Hospital said its healthcare team had provided continuous monitoring and medical interventions based on established protocols.

It added that physicians had discussed the risks and possible complications of treatment options, after which the family opted for supportive care instead of surgery.

The hospital also said that both the facility and the PhilHealth personnel assigned there had explained the patient’s benefits in accordance with existing coverage guidelines and eligibility requirements.

The statement came after PhilHealth clarified that members who die within 24 hours of confinement are not automatically disqualified from receiving benefits, adding that some hospitals may not be fully familiar with the available packages.

As more accounts emerge, concerns are growing about emergency healthcare access and whether members can fully maximize the benefits they have paid for over the years.

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