Leachon calls for scrapping of Philhealth's 24-hour confinement

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — A health reform advocate and former  PhilHealth official has urged the immediate review and abolition of the state insurer’s 24‑hour confinement rule, saying it deprives members of benefits when they need them most and erodes public trust in the system. Dr. Anthony “Tony” Leachon, who served as an independent director of PhilHealth representing the Monetary Board from 2016 to 2019, raised the issue following the case of Marvin Sulit, a member who had faithfully paid contributions for 25 years but was denied coverage after passing away less than 24 hours after admission to a hospital.

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In a statement on Tuesday, Leachon described the rule as a rigid technicality that disregards medical realities and punishes grieving families. “Insurance must protect in emergencies. The 24‑hour confinement rule undermines the very purpose of social health insurance, which is to provide support at the moment of greatest need,” he said.

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He emphasized that denying benefits based on an arbitrary time threshold violates the principle of a humane health program, noting that sudden illnesses and emergencies are exactly why coverage exists. “When contributors are abandoned despite decades of faithful payments, confidence in the system collapses,” Leachon added.

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READ: PhilHealth to review single period of confinement rule

Beyond the specific rule, Leachon also highlighted deeper systemic issues plaguing PhilHealth. He pointed out that the crisis requires urgent, comprehensive reforms. He recommended an increase in benefit packages while keeping premiums affordable for ordinary Filipinos, for Congress to allocate sufficient funding for healthcare instead of cutting budgets, the settlement of the government’s P400 billion in unpaid arrears to PhilHealth, and the protection of the fund as a “sacred trust,” and ensure no mismanagement or diversion of resources.

“PhilHealth is the lifeline of millions. Diverted funds and insufficient subsidies have pushed it to the brink. This is not just about numbers — it is about lives, dignity, and justice,” Leachon stated. He called on authorities to set eligibility standards based on fairness, compassion, and medical necessity, not arbitrary rules. “This is not an isolated case but a systemic failure. Reform is urgent to uphold the principles of justice, integrity, and universal health care,” he said./coa

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