A rural health unit (RHU) servicing far-flung communities in the easternmost part of Ilocos Norte province is now accredited as a primary health care provider. Eduardo U. Dularte, chief social insurance officer of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) confirmed this on Monday as he awarded a certificate of recognition to the municipal government of Solsona as the first Konsulta-accredited RHU in the province. The certificate is valid until December 31, 2023 unless suspended or revoked earlier. As a PhilHealth-KonsulTa provider, the Solsona RHU is expected to administer a comprehensive primary care benefit package such as consultation and case management, provision of preventive health services, referral to specialty and higher levels of care, and assisting eligible beneficiaries in accessing various health services. 'The accreditation of our rural health unit is a strong indication of our commitment to provide one of the best health care facilities in Ilocos Norte,' said town mayor Joseph de Lara in a statement on Monday as he lauded the efforts of municipal health workers to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to their constituents. Prior to its accreditation, the Solsona municipal health unit led by Dr. Ruth B. de Lara underwent a thorough assessment and evaluation until its application was granted by the PhilHealth Regional Office 1. The Konsulta package is an expansion of primary care benefits to cover all Filipinos as mandated by the Universal Health Care Law. It offers comprehensive outpatient health services such as initial and follow-up primary care consultations, health screening and assessment, and access to selected diagnostic services, and medicines. To avail of the services, the members, including their qualified dependents, have to enroll with PhilHealth's Konsulta package registry where they can choose one accredited service provider which is accessible or nearest to their residence or workplace

Source: Philippines News Agency