Weather agency PAGASA officially declared Wednesday, April 16, 2025 as the start of the dry season. This coincides with the observance of Holy Week, where travel and outdoor activities in the country peak and, consequently, puts a number of Filipinos at risk for summer- and heat-related illnesses. Last year, from January 1 to April 29, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 77 cases of heat-related illnesses with seven resulting in deaths.
PhilHealth reminds everyone that there are inpatient benefits packages for common summer-related illnesses available at accredited hospitals nationwide:
Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat collapse, heat cramp and sunstroke: Php 12,675
Heat fatigue and other effects of heat and light: Php 18,135
Moderate to severe dehydration: Php 7,800
Varicella/chickenpox without complication: Php 7,800
Typhoid fever: Php 19,500
Sore eyes/conjunctivitis: Php 16,575
Infectious diarrhea/acute gastroenteritis: Php 11, 700
Toxic effect of contact with fish and other marine animals such as jellyfish, sea anemone, shellfish, and starfish: Php 11,115
For acute health care needs, heat-related or beyond, members are covered by the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) Package which can be availed at any accredited Level 1 to 3 hospital.
Meanwhile, PhilHealth continues to underscore the importance of observing preventive measures. “Pinaaalalahanan natin ang ating mga kababayan na uminom ng sapat na tubig, iwasan lumabas kapag tirik ang araw, at patuloy na maghugas ng kamay at maligo nang regular lalo na kung nasa byahe o di kaya’y kasama sa mga outdoor activities. Nais natin na ang panahong ito —ginugugol man sa pagninilay o pagpapahinga kasama ang ating mga mahal sa buhay— ay manatiling ligtas at masaya para sa ating lahat,” PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado reiterates.
For more details, member may call PhilHealth’s 24/7 touch points at (02) 866-225-88 or at mobile numbers (Smart) 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, (Globe) 0917-1275987 or 0917-1109812.
Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.
