Rep questions PhilHealth IRM fund allocation to dialysis centers

Cavite Representative Elpidio Barzaga Jr. questioned PhilHealth Senior Vice President Dr. Israel Pargas on why dialysis centers were included in the beneficiaries of the Internal Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM) funds.

Barzaga pointed out that the state of calamity was due to COVID-19 and that dialysis treatments are not considered "fortuitous" events like COVID-19.

Pargas explained that the IRM was intended to cover healthcare institutions affected by the pandemic's impact, not solely for COVID-19 cases.

Despite the explanation, Pargas acknowledged that dialysis itself is not a "fortuitous" event.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III stated that PhilHealth will rectify the IRM to exclude dialysis and maternity centers.

This questioning comes after House Committee on Public Accounts chair Mike Defensor presented a list of healthcare institutions, including dialysis centers, that received IRM funds despite having records of fraudulent cases.

Senator Panfilo Lacson also questioned why dialysis and maternity clinics were covered by the IRM when they should be covered by regular PhilHealth programs.