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MANILA, Philippines – The parameters on the implementation of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) interim reimbursement mechanism (IRM) during the coronavirus pandemic were “stretched too far” and “not followed,” said an official from the Justice Department. (DOJ) said Thursday.
During the hearing of the House Public Accounts Committee and the Good Governance and Public Responsibility Committee, Justice Department Undersecretary Adrian Sugay said they are considering ending the complaint regarding the implementation of the RIM within a week.
“I think in this case, initially what we have found is that in the implementation of the IRM regarding COVID-19 and the pandemic, I medyo marami kaming nakitang problems (we saw a lot of problems),” Sugay said.
“I think the parameters were stretched a bit too much, perhaps many of them went beyond the parameters clearly established by the precedents regarding the implementation of the IRM, as well as the implementation rules and regulations or the circulars that have been established. with respect to IRM, as well as other special privileges [stated in the] PhilHealth circulars that are made available to health institutions in times of pandemic, there is a calamity or there is a fortuitous event, “he added.
Sugay said that while the parameters on IRM implementation were very clear, they were not followed.
“What we have found so far is Hindi nasunod itong parameters na ito. And we hope to finish the complaint within a week. So regarding the IRM, we are almost done with regard to the complaint, ”Sugay said.
IRM is PhilHealth’s emergency cash advance measure to provide hospitals with an emergency fund to respond to natural disasters, calamities, and other unexpected events.
PhilHealth previously announced the suspension of the IRM after several senators called for its temporary suspension amid allegations that the release of funds for the country’s coronavirus response was marred by irregularities.
Meanwhile, Sugay said they will also end the investigation regarding information technology-related issues plaguing PhilHealth.
“One of our undersecretaries, who is a procurement expert, is looking very carefully at this Hindi nasundan kung ano yung initially with regard to the procurement process,” Sugay said.
(One of our undersecretaries, a procurement expert, is looking at this very carefully, especially as it relates to the procurement process.)
“So these are matters that will be discussed on the sa page (when it comes to) IT concerns and we are preparing the complaint for that as well,” he added.
The Audit Committee previously noted the TI project as plagued with irregularities.
Resident auditors for COA and PhilHealth viewed as “anomalous” the planned acquisition of various equipment worth P734 million, which was not featured in the original budget proposal submitted by the state insurer.
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