RECALLED. Officials of PhilHealth 12 (Soccsksargen), led by Dr. Antoniette Ladio (2nd from left), acting vice president, hold a press conference on October 14, 2019 after announcing the suspension of GSDHI and the withdrawal of accreditation of two other Koronadal City-based hospitals for alleged fraudulent activities. PhilHealth said it is “holding in abeyance” the implementation of the suspension order. (PNA file photo by Wilnard Bacelonia)
GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has temporarily recalled the suspension order it issued early this month on the accreditation of a hospital here, after finding the medical facility of being involved in “fraudulent activities.”
In a public advisory issued on Monday afternoon, PhilHealth 12 (Soccsksargen) said it is “holding in abeyance” the implementation of General Santos Doctors Hospital Inc.’s (GSDHI) suspension, which was supposed to take effect on the same day.
It did not cite any reason for the decision, which was based on an order dated October 17 issued by PhilHealth central office’s arbitration office. The order was for case numbers HCP-XII-08-007 and HCP-XII-08-014, all involving GSDHI, that was covered by a writ of execution issued on August 21.
“As a result thereof, claims for benefits during confinements or for services rendered in the said health care institution shall be received, processed and paid by PhilHealth,” said the advisory that was signed by Dr. Antoniette Ladio, acting regional vice president of PhilHealth-12.
In an advisory on October 10, PhilHealth-12 announced the suspension of GSDHI and the withdrawal of the accreditation of the Dr. Arturo P. Pingoy Medical Center (DAPPMC) and the Allah Valley Medical Specialists Center Inc. (AVMSCI), both based in Koronadal City, for allegedly being "involved in the commission of fraudulent activities."
GSDHI's suspension started last October 21, until Jan. 18, 2020 and from Jan. 19, 2020 to April 17, 2020 for a total of six months.
PhilHealth-12 said the hospital violated “pertinent provisions of Republic Act 7875 or the amended National Health Insurance Act of 2013."
Citing a report from its legal division, PhilHealth-12 public information officer Hanah Naanep said the violations committed by GSDHI are “padding of claims, claim for non-admitted patients, misrepresentation, and breach of performance commitment.”
In a press conference in Koronadal City on October 14, Ladio said they served the writ of execution for the hospital’s suspension as its cases were already decided with finality by the Supreme Court.
He said GSDHI may apply for “re-accreditation” with PhilHealth once it serves the six-month suspension.
As to the cases of DAPPMC and AVMSCI, Naanep told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that their central office has yet to decide on their appeals regarding the withdrawal of their accreditation, which took effect last October 10.
“We’re still waiting for the decision on their motions for reconsideration,” she said.
PhilHealth-12 has repeatedly refused to disclose the violations committed by DAPPMC and AVMSCI but said the withdrawal was a “preventive penalty” against them. (PNA)
