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PhilHealth Data Reveals Rising Developmental Disabilities in Children, Coverage to Expand
Data from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) shows a rising incidence of developmental disabilities among children, including autism and cerebral palsy. In response, the government plans to expand healthcare and therapy support for affected children.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has reported a rising number of children diagnosed with developmental disabilities, according to its latest data. PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado stated in an interview that the prevalence and incidence of conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, and various global developmental delays are increasing. Mercado suggested that contemporary environmental changes might be contributing factors to this observed rise. In response, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) a doubling of PhilHealth's benefit packages for children with developmental disabilities. This initiative aims to broaden coverage for consultations and therapy sessions. Specifically, the number of therapy sessions covered by PhilHealth annually will be increased from 90 to 150. PhilHealth indicated that this assistance will be a significant help to families of children requiring therapy, as caregivers often have to take time off work to bring patients to rehabilitation centers. Mercado further explained that the expansion of the PhilHealth package is intended to meet patient needs and prioritize early detection and intervention. The goal is to enable patients to achieve a degree of independence once their developmental disabilities are detected and treated early. The expanded maximum of 150 therapy sessions per year covers occupational therapy, physical therapy, consultations with developmental pediatricians or child psychologists, and other therapy sessions. The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) has expressed support for President Marcos' announcement, recognizing that the initiative will provide immense relief to children with disabilities and their families. The NCDA also urged the swift implementation of a strengthened healthcare system that prioritizes all Filipinos with disabilities, emphasizing its role in moving towards a more inclusive healthcare system.
Original source
GMA News Philippines