Garcia backs hospital fees hike

Local

CEBU City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia expressed support for the recently approved amendments to the city’s Omnibus Tax Ordinance, which raises medical service fees at Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) and Guba Community Hospital.

Garcia said the city government has been subsidizing CCMC’s operational expenses by P500 million annually, and the rate increases would help improve the hospital’s financial sustainability while maintaining the zero-billing policy for patients.

Garcia emphasized that the new rates would not require patients to pay any additional costs, as most of the fee increases would be covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

"Ako, I am on the side nga mapasar na ganahan ko mapasar na because it will help tremendously our reimbursement with PhilHealth. So ang pasyente moadto sa CCMC, inig gawas niya, zero billing nana (I am on the side that wants this to pass because it will help tremendously with our reimbursement from PhilHealth. So when a patient goes to CCMC, by the time they leave, it will be zero billing for them)," Garcia said.

The Cebu City Council passed the amendments on November 20, aiming to increase income for the city-owned hospitals while keeping costs manageable for patients.

Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, who authored the measure, highlighted the need for rate adjustments to address rising operational costs and ensure the continued delivery of high-quality healthcare at these facilities.

She explained that the adjustment would significantly boost income, with most charges being absorbed by PhilHealth. Pesquera also pointed out that the last rate update occurred 14 years ago.

The new rates will standardize charges for services, making it easier for city hospitals to collaborate with insurance companies and corporations offering annual medical exams.

Pesquera added that the new fee structure would also help promote the hospitals’ services to a wider range of insurance providers and corporations.

The amendments also aim to enhance the hospitals’ equipment, facilities, and overall services.

The proposed changes will be forwarded to the Mayor’s Office for approval before they are fully implemented.(MyTVCebu)