PhilHealth highlights importance of rabies prevention, vaccination

CEBU, Philippines — In observance of World Rabies Day on September 25, 2024, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) emphasized the importance of rabies prevention and vaccination.

PhilHealth has enhanced its Animal Bite Treatment (ABT) package, increasing financial assistance for those seeking medical treatment after animal bites, especially for high-risk rabies exposures.

Harold L. Ballener from the Public Affairs Unit of PhilHealth-7 confirmed in an interview with Radyo Pilipinas that the coverage now includes up to P3,900 for members of the health insurance.

The ABT package covers patients bitten by dogs, cats, livestock such as pigs, cows, horses, goats, and wild animals like bats and monkeys.

According to Ballener, rabies remains a global threat, with 40% of rabies-related deaths occurring in individuals bitten by animals, particularly dogs and other domesticated or wild animals.

Once gani ang virus, makasugod na og tapot sa central nervous system, makataan na og mga clinical na mga symptoms nu Matod pa sa World Health Organization 100% ang fatality rate niini,  said Ballener.

The ABT package specifically caters to patients classified under Category III or severe exposure. This includes individuals with single or multiple transdermal bites or scratches, contamination of mucous membranes or broken skin with saliva from animal licks, and direct contact with bats.

Additionally, those bitten by animals confirmed to have rabies or who have handled carcasses of rabid animals are also covered.

Even scratches without bleeding, especially near sensitive areas like the head and neck, may qualify for assistance, although they may not fall under Category III due to the absence of open wounds.

Bisan kinamrasan ug wala nidugo particularly dapit sa ligo ug ulo, mahimo na ma cover pud ni sa ABT. pero di ni belong sa category three kay di man open wound as long as naay scratches because of proximity,  said Ballener.

PhilHealth urges everyone to seek help from accredited animal bite treatment centers. Cebu has 22 such facilities, including the Cebu City Health Department and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC). Bohol has 16 accredited centers, Negros Oriental has seven, and Siquijor has one. — /LPM