Benefits available for summer/ heat-related illnesses

CEBU, Philippines — PhilHealth is reminding everyone that there are in-patient benefits packages for common summer-related illnesses available at accredited hospitals nationwide. This after PAGASA officially declared April 16, 2025 the start of the dry season.

PhilHealth announced the following conditions and their respective benefits:

Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat collapse, heat cramp and sunstroke: ?12,675

Heat fatigue and other effects of heat and light: ?18,135

Moderate to severe dehydration: ?7,800

Varicella/chickenpox without complication: ?7,800

Typhoid fever: ?19,500

Sore eyes/conjunctivitis: ?16,575

Infectious diarrhea/acute gastroenteritis: ?11,700

Toxic effect of contact with fish and other marine animals such as jellyfish, sea anemone, shellfish, and starfish: ?11,115

PhilHealth added that for acute healthcare needs, heat-related or beyond, members are covered by the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) Package which can be availed at any accredited Level 1 to 3 hospital.

Last year, from January 1 to April 29, the Department of Health reported 77 cases of heat-related illnesses with seven resulting in deaths.

Meanwhile, the Mandaue City Government is reminding both public and private sectors to conserve water and energy as the city continues to experience extreme heat and humidity brought on by the summer season.

This reminder follows the approval of a resolution by the Mandaue City Council last Monday encouraging and promoting initiatives aimed at addressing water resource management and energy efficiency.

The resolution calls for the implementation of a city-wide awareness campaign and the adoption of conservation measures across both public and private sectors.

According to the resolution, PAG-ASA’s Highest Heat Index as of April 7, 2025, places Cebu Province under the “Extreme Caution” category (33-41°C), causing a rise in water and electricity demand that frequently leads to supply shortages and increased utility expenses.

The resolution also emphasized the Department of Energy’s advisory encouraging the public to practice energy-saving measures to help regulate electricity and water usage and support the stability of the nation’s water supply.

Michelle Liao, secretary of Councilor Editha Flores-Cabahug, said the resolution serves as a reminder for everyone to work together in conserving water and energy, especially now that electricity and water bills tend to rise during the summer season.

“Basically, we’re just reminding everyone to be mindful of what we do so we can help each other address this concern, especially this summer,” said Liao.

Given the health risks brought about by this kind of weather, particularly the risk of heat stroke, Liao said that people also tend to increase their consumption of water and electricity just to cope with the heat.

However, she noted that since both water and electricity are consumable resources, there will always be times when they run low --especially water.

“Considering that it is a consumable resource, we need to help each other,” said Liao.

Liao also emphasized that there are people who tend to leave the air-conditioning on even when it’s no longer needed. She pointed out that during times like these, when many are using appliances to cope with the heat, it’s important to turn them off when not in use.

“Maybe it is one of the reasons pod nga kusog ang sunog kay daghan ang mogamit sa kuryente then mo-overload,” Liao added.

Mandaue City, through the resolution, encourages households to adopt energy-saving measures, including but not limited to: turning off all lights and appliances when not in use; using energy- and water-efficient appliances; maximizing natural ventilation when possible; promptly fixing water leaks; collecting and reusing greywater for non-potable purposes; and watering plants during early morning or late evening hours to reduce evaporation.

The resolution also emphasized that conserving water and energy is a shared responsibility among individuals and key stakeholders.

“The conservation of water and energy is a shared responsibility among individuals, households, businesses, and government institutions, and is essential in promoting environmental sustainability, public health, and economic stability,” the resolution read.

As such, all city government departments, barangay offices, public schools, and private establishments are encouraged to implement comprehensive information and education campaigns to share practical water and energy-saving tips.

They are also urged to adopt internal policies that promote conservation practices, such as adjusting thermostat settings, utilizing natural lighting when feasible, and performing regular equipment maintenance to enhance efficiency and reduce resource consumption. — (FREEMAN)