The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will most likely suspend its COVID-19 testing on Monday if the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) does not pay off its debt to the organization that is fast approaching P1 billion.
Senator Richard Gordon, chairman and chief executive of PRC, said the Red Cross would have to discontinue testing patients whose payments will be charged to PhilHealth until it settles its balances.
PhilHealth's non-payment of P700.5 million, he said, will prevent the Red Cross from being able to order test kits to replenish its dwindling supply, forcing the agency to stop its operations in its testing center in Manila.
Moreover, he said the Red Cross will not be able to open its newly-built laboratories in Bacolod, Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro City.
“How can we operate if we do not have enough test kits and we do not have money to pay our med techs and other staff? We have been totally cooperative in all aspects but we cannot afford to continue if the government, particularly PhilHealth, continues to fail to pay their lawful obligations,” he added.
“The debt of PhilHealth to the Red Cross is almost P1 billion. After they gave P100 million before, they have been paying [in small amounts],” Gordon said.
Gordon said he already reached out to concerned government officials and continuously calling PhilHealth’s attention to immediately act on the matter.
“These delays and foot dragging by PhilHealth have been going on from day one of the contract. We sincerely hope for our people's sake that the government will see its way clear in resolving this unwanted crisis immediately,” he said.
The senator clarified that the Red Cross will still accommodate walk-in individuals who want to get tested and who will pay for their swab tests
PhilHealth on Sunday said the the suspension of the Interim Reimbursement Mechanism will not affect the availment of COVID-19 benefits or any of its regular benefits by its members.
In a statement signed by PhilHealth executive vice president and COO Arnel de Jesus, the agency said the suspension of the IRM is to give way for its review in light of the recent Senate and House hearings.
Patients who need hospitalization, SARS-CoV-2 testing, and community isolation are assured of PhilHealth coverage through its COVID-19 benefit packages, De Jesus said.
He also reaffirmed the legality and necessity of the IRM in the overall COVID-19 response of the country.
The releases, he said, follow the strict rules as stated in PhilHealth Circular No. 2020-0007 which specifies the process by which IRM funding can be obtained by health care facilities.