The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is encouraging its members in Western Visayas to register for the Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (KonSulTa) Package and avail of the first patient encounter (FPE), which focuses on preventive healthcare services.

Janimhe Jalbuna, head of PhilHealth Region 6’s Public Affairs Unit, said that as of March 18, a total of 1,751,871 members and dependents in the region have enrolled in the KonSulTa program, but only 58,826 have availed of their FPE.

“KonSulTa is the flagship program of PhilHealth, where we give a premium to the preventive side of our health services. Our PhilHealth KonSulTa gives a premium on early detection of any medical condition and early intervention. Since this is prevention, we would like to see a lesser population getting sick,” she said in an interview on Monday.

She encouraged members to visit KonSulTa providers and doctors even if they are not feeling sick, stressing the importance of regular check-ups.

Jalbuna admitted that getting members to avail of their FPE remains a challenge. Despite past KonSulTa caravans and other promotional activities, participation is still low.

This year, PhilHealth plans to launch a KonSulTa Run in every province in the region to raise awareness and boost participation.

“Hopefully, they would be able to see the importance of this KonSulTa and give time to this,” she added.

Of the total registrants, Aklan has 296,075, Antique has 180,366, Capiz registered 206,113, Guimaras has 77,682, Iloilo registered 353,367, and Negros Occidental has 638,268.

For FPE, as of March 18, Aklan has 20,084, Antique 3,372, Capiz with 30,278, Iloilo with 4,916, and Negros Occidental has 176.

As of March 14, PhilHealth accredited 182 providers and nine are undergoing accreditation process.

“We need to accredit more facilities and it would be better if they have more doctors,” Jalbuna said.

Under the program, members and their dependents can avail of free primary care services, laboratory and diagnostic services, including ultrasound and mammogram, and medication. (PNA)