Rabies cases caused by animal bites remain a significant concern in the Philippines.
According to the latest report from the Department of Health (DOH) as of December 2024, rabies cases in the Philippines have surged by 23 percent compared to 2023.
In response to this alarming trend, the government implemented various programs to prevent and control rabies, including the enhanced Animal Bite Treatment (ABT) package offered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
How does PhilHealth’s ABT package help prevent rabies?
The PhilHealth’s ABT package supports the National Rabies Prevention and Control Program by covering the costs of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) victims who are PhilHealth members.
PEP is a medical treatment to prevent rabies following exposure to the virus.
It involves the administration of the rabies vaccine, rabies immune globulin, local wound care, tetanus toxoid, anti-tetanus serum (ATS), antibiotics, and antiseptics to protect individuals exposed to rabies through animal bites or scratches.
“The package, which previously covered P3,000 in benefits, increased by 30 percent [in February 2024] to ensure that individuals bitten by animals are fully protected from rabies,” Joseph Manuel, public information officer of PhilHealth Ilocos, said.
This enhancement brings the total benefits to P3,900 per patient, with an additional P900 in support.
Looking ahead, PhilHealth has announced plans to increase rates of its benefits by another 30 percent before the end of 2024.
Such a move would strengthen the impact of the ABT program and provide greater support for those affected by animal bites.
What does PhilHealth’s ABT package cover?
Manuel said that the patient must be a registered PhilHealth member exposed to rabies through Category II or III.
“Category II rabies exposure involves minor scratches with no bleeding, particularly in areas such as the head and neck, while Category III exposure includes scratches that cause spontaneous bleeding, either on the neck or below the neck. Category III rabies exposure can occur through bites, contamination of mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, ears, mouth, or other body parts, open skin lesions with body fluids through splattering, or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation,” Manuel explained.
Further, Manuel stressed that PhilHealth covers members who have handled contaminated dead animals and indigestion of raw and infected meat, which can potentially lead to rabies infection.
“PhilHealth is a government-owned social health insurance program, and dependents, spouses, and children under 18 are eligible for benefits, as long as their family members are ‘active’ PhilHealth members,” he stated.
Who is eligible to avail of PhilHealth’s ABT package?
Employed individuals and individually paying members must have at least three months of contribution within the immediate six months before the month of availment.
Members under the Sponsored or Overseas Workers Program are eligible for benefits within the validity period of their PhilHealth membership, indicated on the Identification (ID) card or Member Data Card (MDR).
In case the validity of membership starts or ends at any point during the treatment period, the full amount will be reimbursed.
If the membership validity begins or ends during the treatment period, the full amount will be reimbursed.
Further, lifetime members are eligible to avail of benefits upon presenting their PhilHealth ID.
Where can you access treatment for animal bites?
Manuel advised that PhilHealth members can use the ABT package at any of the accredited ABT centers by the DOH and in private animal bite centers that have signified their commitment to and participation in the provision of the package.
For those seeking treatment, the ABT program is available at accredited centers, with 56 providers across the Ilocos Region — three in Ilocos Norte, eight in La Union, 15 in Ilocos Sur, and 30 in Pangasinan.
How do dog owners feel about the ABT package?
The ABT program will ease the financial burden of paying for PEP on pet owners who are prone to animal bites.
Daphne Amor Lafiguera, a 23-year-old fur mom from Barangay Maniboc in Lingayen, Pangasinan, expressed her gratitude for the program, highlighting how it will provide relief not only for her but for many other pet owners who often struggle with unexpected expenses of PEP after animal bites.
“I am grateful that dog owners and dog lovers like me can now finally access an ABT package. This is very helpful for us since we are vulnerable to animal bites,” said Lafiguera, adding that she had already been bitten by her pet dog twice.
Lafiguera shared that she often spends P3,000 to P4,000 for PEP and P1,000 to P2,000 for boosters, but with the ABT program, she is optimistic that she will no longer have to pay for prophylaxis.
Despite the prevalence of animal bite cases in the Philippines, PhilHealth is committed to providing better benefits for its members to ensure the protection and safety of individuals bitten by animals from rabies.
This underscores the importance of investing in public health to combat diseases like rabies and to protect the lives of vulnerable populations. (AMB/JCDR/PIA Pangasinan)
