Hospital group’s threat an attack on people’s rights to UHC

“Amid epidemics left and right, the threat by several private hospitals not to renew their PhilHealth accreditation and deny service to (PhilHealth) members is not only shocking and callous, but it also borders on the criminal,” Hontiveros said in a statement. (File photo:
Senator Risa Hontiveros/Facebook)

MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday chided the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPi) after the group threatened not to renew its members’ PhilHealth accreditation over unpaid claims, saying the move is an “attack on the people’s right to universal health care.”

“Amid epidemics left and right, the threat by several private hospitals not to renew their PhilHealth accreditation and deny service to (PhilHealth) members is not only shocking and callous, but it also borders on the criminal,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

“Ang mga hospital ay dapat nanggagamot, hindi nananakot at nagdadamot (Hospitals should be treating people, not threatening and denying treatment),” she added

The senator said she hopes that PHAPI will reconsider its plan, as millions of PhilHealth members would be deprived of access to adequate hospital care and treatment.

However, Hontiveros warned that if the association makes good its threat, the government might as well revoke the PHAPi members’ license to operate.

“I hear the concern of some private hospitals. I understand the need to balance the right to do business and provide health care services. But threatening the public with health care denial is wrong and again, cannot be tolerated,” she said.

“I know that the majority of private hospitals don’t think this way. But to those who think they can take hostage the people’s right to universal health care, you are in the wrong business,” Hontiveros said.