THE PHILIPPINE Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) reiterates heat stroke coverage amid the extreme heat index recorded in the country.
The highest heat index recorded by PAGASA for the previous month was April 28 in Iba, Zambales in the Central Luzon region at 53 degrees Celsius.
“Such values should therefore not be interpreted in terms of their absolute magnitudes, but rather on the health risk they pose on us,” the weather bureau noted.
PhilHealth recognized that the hot and dry season puts outdoor workers, athletes, the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic medical conditions at high risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Effects of the heat index on the body from prolonged exposure and activity include fatigue leading to heat cramps, exhaustion, and heat stroke.
“If members or their dependents need to be admitted to any PhilHealth-accredited health facilities due to heat stroke or heat exhaustion, it is covered by PhilHealth,” the agency’s spokesperson Kleah Guevarra said on Kapehan sa Dabaw, May 6.
The health insurer provides a benefit package amounting to P8,450 for cases requiring hospital admission.
Patients who observe initial symptoms of heat stroke may also avail themselves of consultations and check-ups for free under the Konsulta or Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama package of PhilHealth.
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include fatigue, dizziness, headache, vomiting, and light-headedness.
“For the Konsulta package there is no limit as to the availment for as long as it is needed by the patient, so kung kinahanglan magpa-check-up that’s the time we go to the provider,” Guevarra said.
Members should be able to register with an accredited Konsulta Provider of their choice to avail of primary care services including any of 13 laboratories and 21 drugs and medicines for various health conditions.
PAGASA continued to observe an extreme heat index as per the 5-day computation for May 2-6 and 2-day forecast for May 7-8, released on May 6.
Clark Airport, Pampanga recorded the highest heat index of 50 degrees Celsius on May 6.
Meanwhile, the heat index recorded in Davao City reached 42 degrees Celsius on May 6, forecasted to last until May 8 as per the released summary.
