AFTER the dengue fever benefit package, the case rate for severe dengue is also being adjusted by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
PhilHealth spokesperson Dr Israel Francis Pargas yesterday said the state insurer’s board of directors has approved an increase in the severe dengue benefit package to P47,000 from P16,000.
Earlier, PhilHealth increased the benefit package for dengue fever to P13,000 from P10,000.
The adjustment in the severe dengue case rate comes as dengue cases in the country continue to climb.
Based on latest data from the Department of Health (DOH), 36,335 dengue cases were reported nationwide from August 4 to 17.
“This is a 25 percent increase in cases compared to 29,021 reported from July 21 to August 3,” said the DOH.
It also said all regions, except Mimaropa, Bicol, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro, showed an increase in cases.
From January 1 to September 6, 208,965 dengue cases have been reported in the country.
“This is 68 percent higher than the previous year’s tally of 124,157 for the same period,” said the DOH.
The rise in dengue cases is being attributed to the rainy season.
“We are witnessing a continued and seasonal rise in dengue cases,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
Dengue is a viral infection that is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to people.
On Wednesday, PhilHealth announced an increase in its hemodialysis benefit package, to P6,350 from P4,000 per session, just three months after the last hike.
