On 02 April 2025, the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Dr. Edwin Mercado, visited the Saint Louis University Sacred Heart Medical Center (SLU SHMC) as part of a coordination meeting between PhilHealth and CEOs of different hospitals in Benguet.
Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD and SHMC Hospital Administrator Dr. Paul Adlai B. Quitiquit, along with other SHMC officials, warmly welcomed Dr. Mercado and PhilHealth Cordillera Administrative Region- Regional Vice President, Dr. Dominga A. Gadgad. The PhilHealth key officials went around the Nurse’s Station, Acute Care Unit (ACU), Office of Patient Experience (OPE), and Finance Department. Dr. Mercado inspected the `computer system for patients and commended its innovation and advancement.
Fr. Sales, in his opening message, highlighted that what stands out in SHMC is its people– the team of IT-skilled and compassionate doctors, nurses, and staff- who live by the Medical Center’s motto: “truly cares”. “Patients who walk through the doors receive the highest standards of medication and compassion,” he added.
The University President also thanked Dr. Mercado and Dr. Gadgad for their steadfast support for accessible quality healthcare, where SLU-SHMC has been able to expand patient care services and provide external assistance to residents. “We look forward to strengthening this partnership (with PhilHealth), ensuring that together we continue to uplift the healthcare system in our country and provide an even greater service to the people,” he said.
The PhilHealth President and CEO’s visit to the SHMC and other hospitals aims at knowing what is happening at the grassroots level. Dr. Mercado said he has visited SHMC many times and has witnessed the hospital even improving and giving better services.
The partnership between SLU-SHMC and PhilHealth is dedicated to delivering quality health services, which is aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 16 (Peace, Justice, and strong institutions), and 17(Partnership for the Goals). (Article and Photos by Michael John Dadd, UIO Intern)
