In a significant move to shield patients from financial strain, two major hospitals in Cebu have announced a comprehensive price freeze on all healthcare services, laboratory tests, and medicines. This decision comes as fuel prices and supply costs continue to escalate nationwide, putting pressure on medical institutions to raise fees.
A Universal Policy for All Patients
Dr. Nina Darcera, medical director of Saint Vincent General Hospital and assistant medical director at UC Med, confirmed that both facilities owned by Atty. Augusto W. Go have implemented this freeze. She emphasized that the policy applies equally to every patient, not just specific groups like employees or students.
"The freeze of increase is for everybody. It's not specific for employees and students," Darcera stated. "So we remain the price will remain as is."
Operational Challenges and External Pressures
Hospitals are currently grappling with rising expenses driven largely by external factors. Darcera explained that many supplies are sourced from Manila and overseas, making them vulnerable to fluctuations in fuel prices and global costs.
"Everything runs with, you know, for example, the supplies. We get the supplies from Manila, we get the supplies from another country," she said. "So if they increase the fuel, everything also increases. The way that they price us will increase."
Stable Pricing Amid Uncertainty
Despite these pressures, the hospitals have chosen not to pass the burden on to patients. Darcera admitted uncertainty about future cost increases but highlighted the freeze as a crucial relief measure.
"So we don't know how much or the percentage of increase that will happen," she said. "But remaining as is, the freezing of prices it's a big help for everybody."
She stressed that patients' bills will not suddenly rise due to external cost spikes. "What we have now as a bill will not increase by how many percent just because there's a fuel increase. That's for everybody," she added, noting that even medicines are covered under the freeze.
A Volume-Based Business Model
Behind this move is a business model that prioritizes accessibility over high margins. Darcera described it as a "volume-based" approach, accepting smaller profits per patient in exchange for serving more people.
"Even if the profit is small, as long as there are many, there might be lesser profit, but profit is still profit," she explained.
A Legacy of Helping People
More than a financial strategy, the policy reflects the guiding principle of the hospital's owner, Atty. Augusto W. Go. Darcera highlighted his commitment to community support.
"You've heard Attorney Augusto W. Go his main mantra is really helping out people. That's his legacy," she said.
Impact on Patients and Community
At a time when many Filipinos are struggling to keep up with rising living costs, this decision offers a rare sense of stability. Darcera underscored that the freeze is meant for everyone, providing relief across all patient demographics.
The hospitals' commitment to maintaining current prices, such as keeping a complete blood count (CBC) test at P300 despite potential cost increases, demonstrates a patient-first approach. This initiative not only alleviates immediate financial burdens but also sets a precedent for healthcare affordability in the region.
