Private hospitals consider charging more as fuel prices soar, peso weakens

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Operating room and laboratory fees are some of the charges that could increase

MANILA, Philippines – Soaring fuel and basic commodity prices due to the Middle East conflict, along with the continued weakening of the peso, may prompt some private hospitals to hike hospital fees.

According to Dr. Jose Rene de Grano, president of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Incorporated (PHAPi), some of their members are considering increasing certain hospital fees by 5% to cover the higher costs of imported medical equipment and medicines paid for in dollars.

“That is only an option that hospitals may resort to…. Possible response lang ‘yan (It’s only a possible response to) [the] increase in fuel costs, inflation, and depreciation of the peso,” De Grano told Rappler on Friday, March 27.

In particular, patients may see a rise in operating room fees, use of ambulance and shuttle services, and some imported medicines, among others.

“Use of equipment which are acquired and being paid for with US dollars [and] laboratory fees might also be included if the reagents are imported, which may increase in cost also,” he added.

De Grano did not mention which hospitals are contemplating fee hikes.

PHAPi’s website states that it has over 600 members nationwide, comprising more than half of the country’s private hospitals. Its members include leading hospitals such as St. Luke’s Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, and The Medical City.

Department of Health Undersecretary Albert Domingo, spokesperson of the DOH, questioned the basis for a 5% hike.

“How was that calculated? People will understand if it’s unbundled or broken down and clear,” Domingo said.

He added: “It’s time to unbundle or break down the charges of hospitals and health facilities. Don’t just say ‘room rate.’ How much is charged for electricity? For gasoline or diesel? For nurses’ salaries? So we can see if the price of health services is really affected by the increase in oil prices.”

De Grano did not comment on the breakdown of charges and the calculation behind the proposed percentage. But he clarified to Rappler that he never mentioned an increase in room rates, and also reiterated that fee hikes are “not even implemented yet.”

Crisis felt on all fronts

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave an assurance on Friday that the Philippines has enough crude oil supply to last until June 30, three days after he declared a state of national energy emergency.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin also previously said that the country had around 45 days’ worth of fuel supply as of March 20.

With fuel prices still expected to soar higher in the coming weeks, fewer cars are now seen along EDSA. Prices of diesel are already well above P100 per liter, while gasoline is close to breaching that level in many areas.

The community pantry, first launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been revived for drivers affected by the oil price surge.

If the war persists, retail prices of basic food items such as rice, chicken, and pork may also increase by 50%. – Rappler.com