President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that state-run PhilHealth will roll out expanded and higher maternity benefits starting Thursday, April 30, to address the high costs of pregnancy-related care. The move aims to prevent families from delaying or skipping necessary medical attention due to financial constraints.
In a video message on Wednesday, April 29, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted that many mothers give birth without medical assistance due to inability to afford costs.
"Many mothers give birth without a doctor, not because they do not want proper care, but because they cannot afford the cost. This is what we want to change," he said.
The new benefits raise coverage for normal delivery to P29,000 from the previous P9,750. For cesarean sections, it increases to between P58,000 and P62,000 from P37,000.
The president noted that patients in ward accommodations could face zero out-of-pocket expenses, even in private hospitals.
The package also expands prenatal care from four to eight check-ups, including vaccines and laboratory tests, and adds three postnatal follow-up visits.
"We want no life to be put at risk simply because of a lack of funds," Marcos added.
The enhancements are expected to benefit more Filipino families and reduce risks from inadequate maternal care, especially for those with limited financial means.
