PHAP sets conditions to gov’t to avert hike in hospital fees
ROXAS CITY – The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (PHAP) will not push through with the planned 10% increase in hospital charges if the government defers the imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on hospitals and extend the implementation of Cheaper Medicines Law which took effect on August 15.
Such was the position of PHAP as agreed during their regional conference held at Statemberg Hotel in Clark, Pampanga on September 18, said Mr. Jessie Contreras, administrator of Capiz Emmanuel Hospital (CEH).
Contreras, PHAP national executive vice president, also revealed that some 260 participants attended the said conference.
“We are not against the Cheaper Medicines Law but we are asking for the extension of its implementation,” Contreras said.
The hospitals grant 20% discount to senior citizens and disabled persons, why does the government ignore our plea?” Contreras asked.
Last month, PHAP threatened to hold a hospital holiday should the government fails to refund their loses relative to the implementation of the Cheaper Medicines Law.
Earlier, PHAP threatened to hold a hospital holiday should the concerned government agencies will not listen to their predicament as regards the law reducing the prices of important medicines.
Contreras said hospitals and pharmacies have already purchased medicines at a high price before the Cheaper Medicines Law took effect.
He added that hospital pharmacies still have old stocks bought at higher prices that need to be disposed first.