The Department of Health (DOH) has instructed the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to include mammograms and ultrasound in its Konsulta Packages nationwide.

“I have directed the PhilHealth Benefits Committee, chaired by Assistant Secretary Domingo, to work on adding ultrasound and mammogram services in the current nationwide Konsulta benefit package, for immediate implementation nationwide,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in a statement on Tuesday.

Herbosa said the move would “ensure sustainable financing of preventive health services that can catch cancer and other conditions early”.

“So that we can unload higher level hospitals within the health care provider network,” he added.

In February, House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo called on PhilHealth to provide mammograms, ultrasounds, and other tests for all female members of PhilHealth since breast cancer is one of the top causes of death among Filipinos.

PhilHealth increased its benefit package for the treatment of breast cancer from PHP100,000 to PHP1.4 million last month.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez commended PhilHealth for its “swift action.”

“This initiative reflects the commitment of the administration of President Marcos to prioritize the health and well-being of Filipino women, ensuring access to crucial preventive care,” Romualdez said in a statement on Tuesday.

He said free mammogram and ultrasound services will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the health and well-being of Filipino women.

“Early detection is key in addressing various health concerns, and by removing financial barriers to these essential services, PhilHealth is helping to save lives and promote a healthier future for our women,” Romualdez said. (PNA)