This was revealed by PhilHealth-8 Assistant Vice President, Atty. Reynaldo Capangpangan during Saturday’s Express It At The Park, saying the collection performance of the government’s health insurance arm in the region continuously posted an increase from 2000 to 2006.

PhilHealth reported that in 2006, collection reached P310 million which amount equals a 5% growth over what was collected in 2005 which was pegged at P295 million.

“Although it was only a 5% growth, nevertheless there was an increase in the collection and we were also able to hit our target which translates to 103% accomplishment,” he said.

The confirmation on the corporation’s steady footing as far as the Eastern Visayas region is concerned came after earlier reports of P4 billion Philhealth losses allegedly due to fraudulent claims.

According to Capangpangan, last year’s figure was already a far cry compared to year 2000’s P105 million collection, which he said the agency is positive it would also exceed its collection target this year.

While it reports a strong collection performance in the region, PhilHealth-8 assured that it is financially stable and that it has a very sound cash flow and liquidity is assured to pay benefit claims and other necessary funding requirements.

“By 2007, we encourage more members to register and avail better and quality service from its accredited Health Care Providers,” Capangpangan said.

Philhealth Central Office reported that as of April this year, their total assets amounted to P73.7 billion, consistently increasing from P51.5 billion in 2004, P58.1 billion in 2005 and P68.9 billion in 2006.

Their regional offices’ strong collection performance is also an indication of the PhilHealth members’ trust and confidence in the National Health Insurance Program, PhilHealth officials disclosed.