Free Heart Bypass c/oPhilHealth's Z Benefit Program

After less than a year of waiting, finally, my dad had his bypass surgery last month. 

What Is A Heart Bypass?

Now, coronary artery bypass surgery, which is also called coronary artery bypass graft or CABG (pronounced as “cabbage”) by most doctors, is a major operation that saves thousands of patients suffering from severe heart disease.

PhilHealth Z Benefits 

Unfortunately, not everyone can afford this procedure. The Philippine Heart Center, a heart specialty hospital run by the government, offers heart operation packages for as much as 500,000 pesos to 700,000 pesos, depending on how many arteries are affected – a fortune for an average Juan like us. 

But thanks to PhilHealth’s Z Benefits, their newest health benefit package, my dad had his all expenses paid. For a moment, I felt happy I paid my taxes. :D

All thumbs up after the operation

"We need to aggressively reduce household out-of-pocket health care costs, especially in times of catastrophic illnesses that may or even further push Filipinos into poverty,"

– PhilHeath President and CEO, Dr. Eduardo P. Banzon.

Getting his strength back. Dad at  Philippine Heart Center's Intensive Care Unit

Medical cases that can be covered by PhilHealth’s Z Benefit:

• Childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Heart disease

Who are qualified to avail this benefit?

• PhilHealth members under the Employed sector
• PhilHealth members under the Employed Sector
• PhilHealth members under the Individually Paying
• PhilHealth members under the Lifetime Member Program
• Sponsored Program and Overseas Workers Program members including their qualified dependents.

For more information on Z Benefits, visit http://www.PhilHealth.gov.ph

The Power of Prayer: This piece of paper was given by Luigi, my dad's first attending nurse.

Philippine Heart Center

My family’s experience with dad’s bypass at the Philippine Heart Center was really good. For starters, they were the one who suggested that we make an application to PhilHealth’s new program. 

My family. :)

Compared to other hospitals, I believe it’s the only competent specialty facility with an army of experts here in the country that offers the most affordable rates and additional social assistance to qualified patients. From doctors (at least majority of the ones I saw while we were there), nurses, maintenance people, to security guards, everyone there’s just full of heart – always smiling, polite, very concerned, and all that.

After eight crucial days in the hospital, my dad is now on his road to recovery. Of course, all of this wouldn’t have been possible, if it weren’t for our biggest backer ever, the Lord Almighty. From the smallest details to biggest road blocks, He helped us all the way.

To God alone be the glory! =)