Email 171: Do Private Hospitals Give Free HIV Services?

Hi Pozzie.

Just want to know if The Medical City or Makati Medical Center is offering free services (testing and treatment) for HIV+, or what hospitals or clinics are providing free services for less fortunate patients. 

Thank you.

XXX

POZZIEPINOY'S RESPONSE

Hi XXX.

Thank you for your email.

The Medical City and the Makati Medical Center don't provide free services as they are both private hospitals. They are not part of the OHAT package of PhilHealth which provides free services to PLHIV's. The only hospitals that give free services are the government HIV/Treatment hubs in the country. However, since all the ARV's in the Philippines are subsidized by the Global Fund, they are free in all hospitals. However, for private hospitals, there is a handling fee per bottle of ARV's. So the best way to know is to call the hospital and ask about their services and fees before going.

I hope I was able to answer your question. Please feel to email me again if you have other concerns.

Stay healthy,

Pozziepinoy