Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Iloilo News Archive Description An account of the resource News, old and new, about Iloilo Province Subject The topic of the resource Iloilo Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document PhilHealth expands Z-Benefit coverage; free hip, knee implants now accessible in WV By Neljoy N. Galigao -Monday, September 1, 2025 ILOILO City – Western Visayans suffering from hip fractures, arthritis, and other mobility-related illnesses may now undergo life-changing orthopedic surgeries without the crushing financial burden, as the government-owned Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) launched the Z-Benefit Package for Orthopedic Implants. The program covers expensive procedures such as hip arthroplasty, with financial assistance ranging from P48,000 to P169,400 depending on the implant used. Beneficiaries include PhilHealth members — direct and indirect contributors — and their qualified dependents who pass the clinical criteria set by accredited hospitals. “For the Z-package benefit criteria, for the joint replacement, there are certain criteria: First, the patient should be ambulatory, then the disease, either he or she has a leg fracture or arthritis, whatever the cause is in the hip joint, then that will be considered as okay to proceed, plus, the risk factors, so the anaesthesiologist will also assist the patient if there are 2-3 comorbidities only. Meaning, even after the surgery, the patient will still benefit from the surgery, not really in high risk. Those are the criteria,” explained Dr. Michael Muñoz, vice president of the Philippine Hip and Knee Society, during a press conference on Aug. 29. WVMC data show that from January to August 2023 alone, the hospital processed 444 orthopedic implant claims. The most common were arm and forearm plating (129 cases), femur intramedullary nails with interlocking screws (106), locked compression plates (59), cementless partial hip prostheses (47), and cementless total hip prostheses (29). Smaller numbers were recorded for knee prostheses, wrist plating, and other implant procedures. “That is why we prioritize orthopedic procedures here in Western Visayas — to ensure that our people, especially the Ilonggos, have the opportunity and the freedom to move around and lead productive lives. We are dedicated to improving health outcomes and empowering individuals through accessible orthopedic care,” said Dr. Guadalupe V. Matejka, WVMC chief training officer. She noted that mobility loss often forces patients into dependence on family members, creating financial strain and worsening poverty. “The Z-Benefit package provides free implants for hip and knee surgeries,” added Dr. Justinian Aquilino IV Cyril Ll. Pimentel, president of the Philippine Orthopaedic Association, crediting PhilHealth’s role in supplying implants while surgeons provide expertise. Philippine Hip and Knee Society president Dr. Herminio R. Valenzuela Jr. highlighted the urgency, saying the country conducts only 12,000–15,000 joint replacement surgeries annually, far below the estimated need of 75,000–80,000. “PhilHealth’s support, particularly through the Z-Benefit package, will be instrumental in addressing this demand and will enhance access to joint replacement surgeries for more Filipinos, especially among the elderly,” he stressed. From 2023 to August 2025, PhilHealth allocated P30.39 million to WVMC for Z-Benefit claims, including orthopedic implants, cancer care, coronary bypass grafts, and leukemia management, according to regional vice president Lazaro T. Tabsing. PhilHealth urged members to visit www.philhealth.gov.ph/PN Citation Citation of the article Galigao, N. [ 2025, September 1 ]. PhilHealth expands Z-Benefit coverage; free hip, knee implants now accessible in WV. Panay News, 3&15. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource PhilHealth expands Z-Benefit coverage; free hip, knee implants now accessible in WV Description An account of the resource ILOILO City – Western Visayans suffering from hip fractures, arthritis, and other mobility-related illnesses may now undergo life-changing orthopedic surgeries without the crushing financial burden, as the government-owned Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) launched the Z-Benefit Package for Orthopedic Implants. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Galigao, Neljoy Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.panaynews.net/philhealth-expands-z-benefit-coverage-free-hip-knee-implants-now-accessible-in-wv/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panay News</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Panay News Incorporated Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 1, 2025 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Orthopedic implants Health insurance Public health Western Visayas Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC)