Over Php 22.8 million was handed over to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) last April 11, 2025. This was payment for the initial batch of claims for PhilHealth’s benefit package for Ischemic Heart Disease – Acute Myocardial Infarction (IHD-AMI), a disease commonly known as heart attack. Just three months after its enhancement, the package has been beneficial for at least 77 claims for heart attack patients seen at the PGH as of March 2025.
PGH Medical Director Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi was present to receive the check from PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado during the simple ceremonial turnover at the PGH. “Sa ibinigay pong pagkakataon na ma-improve ang service to heart attack patients, record high ang ating serbisyo — wala na pong charity na heart attack patient ngayon. Iyan ang improvement na gusto nating makita. And I think with this current administration of PhilHealth, we will be seeing more of that,” remarked Dr. Legaspi. He also recognized the unwavering support of the PhilHealth Regional Office – NCR, led by Dr. Bernadette Lico who was similarly present at the event, in ensuring that PGH patients appropriately receive the financial risk protection afforded to them by PhilHealth.
Present as well were some of the patients and their families who were beneficiaries of the package —one of whom was Mrs. Juvy B. Busayong, wife of patient Jose Busayong from Calamba City, Laguna. “At first, hesitant kami kasi alam naman natin kapag narinig natin angiogram expected na natin na expensive,” she testified, “pero one of the doctors nagsabing may package na ang PhilHealth at wala na kaming babayaran. Siyempre, natuwa kami! Napakalaking pribilehiyo na kami ay makatanggap ng ganoong package. Gusto naming magpasalamat sa PhilHealth sa package na ibinigay dito sa amin. Sana po ay marami pa kayong matulungan at marami pang buhay ang ma-save.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Mercado reiterates PhilHealth’s commitment in bringing life-saving health services closer to every Filipino by ensuring prompt claims reimbursements to more hospitals.
“Ang P22.8 milyong bayad na ito sa PGH ay simula pa lamang. Kami ay iikot pa sa iba’t ibang mga rehiyon para ating personal na tiyakin ang mabilis na pagpoproseso at pagbabayad ng claims para sa mga serbisyong ipinagkaloob ng ating mga ospital sa mga miyembrong may sakit sa puso,” Dr. Mercado affirmed.
The IHD-AMI benefit package offers coverage up to Php 523,853 which can be availed at all accredited Levels 1 to 3 public and private health facilities with the capacity to deliver the necessary services.
For more information on the enhanced Ischemic Heart Disease – Acute Myocardial Infarction package, members may call PhilHealth’s 24/7 touch points at (02) 866-225-88 or at mobile numbers (Smart) 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, (Globe) 0917-1275987 or 0917-1109812.
In photo are (L-R) PhilHealth VP for NCR Dr. Bernadette Lico, Dr. Mercado, AMI beneficiaries Jose Brozo, Juvy Busayong (wife of patient Jose Busayong), Dennis Garcia, PGH Medical Director Dr. Legaspi and Deputy Director Dr. Margarita Lat-Luna.
