March 25, 2025, Manila, Philippines — The Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC) proudly inaugurated its Konsulta Office, reinforcing its commitment to providing accessible and quality primary healthcare. CGHMC is the first private hospital in the National Capital Region to receive accreditation under the PhilHealth Konsulta Program, a milestone that strengthens its role in supporting Universal Health Care (UHC) in the Philippines.
The ribbon-cutting and blessing of the new CGHMC Konsulta Office was attended by PhilHealth President and CEO, Dr. Edwin Mercado, alongside other PhilHealth officials, Philippine-Chinese Charitable Association, Inc. (PCCAI) Chairman Antonio Tan, Honorary Chairman and Executive Committee Chair Dr. Benito Goyokpin, Vice-Chairman Mr. Alberto Tan Lee, CGHMC President and CEO Mr. Kelly Sia, Medical Director Dr. Samuel Ang, and CGHMC Konsulta Head Dr. George Co.
A Commitment to Accessible Healthcare
With over 4,600 members already registered under the CGHMC Konsulta Program, CGHMC continues to expand its reach, ensuring that Filipinos receive essential primary care services, including consultations, select diagnostic tests, and necessary medications. Chairman Antonio Tan emphasized the program’s profound impact, stating, “This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to making healthcare services accessible to all.”
CGHMC President and CEO Mr. Kelly Sia acknowledged the presence of PCCAI Board members, PhilHealth representatives, and members of the medical community. He gave special recognition to Dr. Edwin Mercado, lauding his leadership in strengthening the nation’s healthcare system. Dr. Mercado highlighted the importance of shifting healthcare priorities from inpatient treatment to preventive and primary care under the UHC mandate. “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure,” he remarked, stressing the necessity of Konsulta in promoting timely medical intervention and early disease detection.
Expanding Konsulta’s Reach and Services
As part of its Konsulta initiatives, CGHMC is expanding services beyond its hospital walls. Plans are underway to establish satellite Konsulta clinics near institutional accounts such as universities and corporate offices, making healthcare more accessible to employees and students. Additionally, mobile Konsulta services will soon be deployed, bringing primary care directly to underserved communities.
Dr. George Co, head of CGHMC Konsulta, provided an overview of the hospital’s PhilHealth services over the past four years. He shared that out of 101,000 admitted patients, 81,000 benefited from PhilHealth coverage, with efforts ongoing to increase these numbers further. He also announced plans to register medical mission patients, as well as CGH College staff, faculty, and medical professionals, under the Konsulta Program.
Strengthening the Healthcare System
In his keynote address, Dr. Mercado underscored PhilHealth’s efforts to improve primary healthcare benefits. He noted that primary care benefit payouts accounted for only 1.7% of PhilHealth expenditures last year, with a target increase to 15-20% in 2025. Future plans include the expansion of Konsulta benefits to include PhilHealth Gamot, which will provide Php 9,000 in medicine subsidies per patient, additional screening tests, and specialty care.
Dr. Mercado urged CGHMC to take on more Z-benefit packages, including expanded coverage for prostate, lung, and ovarian cancer, rare diseases, and maternal care. He also encouraged participation in PhilHealth’s transition from the case rate payment system to a diagnosis-related group (DRG) model, allowing for better reimbursement of comorbidities.
How to Avail the PhilHealth Konsulta Program at CGHMC
All PhilHealth members and their qualified dependents can register for the Konsulta Program using their PhilHealth ID number. Registration options include online sign-up, on-site registration as a walk-in patient, or by appointment at the Ground Floor, Service Pavilion, CGHMC, 286 Blumentritt St., Sta. Cruz, Manila.
A Future of Better Healthcare
The launch event concluded with a Town Hall Discussion on UHC, Konsulta, and Z Benefits, featuring PhilHealth officials Dr. Bernadette Lico, Mr. Raymond Acoba, Dr. Evelyn Lopez, and Dr. Billy Ignacio.
With its Konsulta accreditation valid until 2027, CGHMC remains steadfast in its mission to provide innovative and comprehensive primary care services, helping shape a healthier future for all Filipinos.
