PhilHealth payouts rise as dengue cases spike in Western Visayas
ILOILO CITY—The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has disbursed over P1.68 million in claims for the first half of 2024 due to the rising number of dengue cases in Western Visayas.
Dr. Rodalyn Lagalangan, medical specialist of PhilHealth in the region, said the second half of the year could see an even greater number of claims due to the alarming surge in dengue cases from July to September.
From January to June 2024, PhilHealth processed a total of P1.68 million in claims covering severe dengue cases across various provinces.
Iloilo topped the list with claims amounting to P531,796, followed by Aklan (P160,000), Antique (P92,502), Capiz (P400,000), Guimaras (P48,000), Negros Occidental (P447,752).
Data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed a steep rise in dengue cases in 2024 compared to the previous year.
From Jan. 1 to Aug. 31, the region reported 20,814 dengue cases and 51 deaths, a staggering 264 percent increase for the same period in 2023, which had 5,711 cases and 25 fatalities.
The rise in dengue cases has been attributed to the rainy season which creates breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which cause the illness.
The infection triggers a severe flu-like illness often followed by a severe drop in an infected person’s platelet count.
Among other symptoms are severe headache, pain behind the eyes, full-body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands or rashes.
Health authorities urged residents to take preventive measures, such as eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and seeking early medical intervention for symptoms. —RUCHELLE DENICE DEMAISIP INQ
