On 05 November 2024, Saint Louis University-Sacred Heart Medical Center (SLU-SHMC) was honored with the Star Awardee and Five-Star Performer Award during the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) CAR’s Pasasalamat at Pagkilala Awarding Ceremony held at Newtown Plaza Hotel in Baguio City.
As the only Five-Star Performer in the region, SLU-SHMC was commended for its transparency and efficiency in healthcare financial practices—essential for creating a sustainable healthcare system. The recognition highlights the outstanding contributions of SLU-SHMC in advancing Universal Healthcare in the Cordillera region, particularly through its achievements in PhilHealth Financial Management and Reporting Enhancement.
Dr. Myrna M. Espiritu, Officer-in-Charge of the Hospital Administrator’s Office, and Ms. Jenifer Balagot, Head of the Finance Department, accepted the award on behalf of the hospital. They emphasized the strong collaboration within the administration, which fosters accountability and quality in healthcare delivery.
PhilHealth CAR’s Pasasalamat at Pagkilala aimed at recognizing and honoring health partners and stakeholders for their efforts in advancing Universal Health Care (UHC) across the Cordilleras. Titled PhilHealth PULSE (Promoting UHC through Linkages, Synergy, and Engagement), the event served as a platform to showcase significant milestones in UHC implementation. These included the establishment of healthcare provider networks, leadership training for provincial governors, and new programs aimed at improving healthcare accessibility in the region.
Receiving the STAR Award is not only a great honor but also a testament to SLU-SHMC’s unwavering commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services that aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which focuses on promoting health and well-being for all.
This recognition underscores the importance of effective financial management in healthcare institutions, which directly impacts patient care and overall health outcomes in the community. For SLU-SHMC, the award further reflects its dedication to making healthcare more accessible, transparent, and efficient—core principles of Universal Health Care. (Article by Trisha Batoon, OPE Intern | Photos by SLU SHMC)
