BOC, ManilaMed ink deal

MANILA, Philippines — Employees of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) can now avail themselves of privileges and priority medical services at the Medical Center Manila.

ManilaMed signed a deal with the BOC on Aug. 27 to provide discounted rates on medical services.

BOC personnel, their dependents and retirees can queue at an express lane for outpatient consultations, admissions, laboratory services and billing transactions.

Discounts include a five-percent deduction on outpatient services and 10 percent on emergency room treatments as well as in-patient hospitalization.

These discounts will be applied after Philippine Health Insurance Corp. coverage and other benefits have been deducted.

“Our personnel deserve comprehensive support, and ensuring that our active employees, retirees and their families have access to affordable health care remains a top priority. Our responsibilities to our public servants do not end after office hours,” BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.

BOC Deputy Commissioner for Internal Administration Group Raul Nagrampa and ManilaMed president Eduardo Eseque signed the agreement.

“Through this partnership with ManilaMed, the BOC aims to ease the burden of health care costs and provide faster access to medical services when they are needed most. The program is designed to make quality health care more accessible, affordable and convenient for the entire BOC community,” Nagrampa said.

While medical expenses remain the responsibility of personnel and their dependents, the BOC said it would continue to coordinate with ManilaMed to ensure smooth implementation of the program and compliance with the hospital’s standard policies and procedures.