No more long travels. No more long queues. Life-saving cardiac surgeries are now closer to home.

In a milestone for health care in Region 12, St. Elizabeth Hospital (SEHI) and PhilHealth Region XII have signed a landmark Memorandum of Agreement that officially accredits SEHI as a Z-Benefit provider for open-heart surgeries under the national health insurance program.

This groundbreaking partnership makes St. Elizabeth Hospital the first and only hospital in Region 12 capable of delivering Z-Benefit-covered Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) and Valvular Heart Disease surgeries, eliminating the need for patients to travel to larger cities like Davao or Manila for these life-saving procedures.

Z-Benefit Packages Now Available at SEHI:

  • CABG – Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
    • Standard Risk (No Co-morbidities): ₱660,000
    • Expanded Risk (With Co-morbidities): ₱960,000
  • Valvular Heart Disease Surgery: up to ₱810,000

These packages include PhilHealth-covered cardiac rehabilitation of up to four (4) sessions—a crucial phase for recovery and long-term heart health.

This partnership is more than just a milestone in healthcare—it’s a lifeline for families,” said Antonio G. Veneracion, Chief Executive Officer of St. Elizabeth Hospital. “For years, many of our kababayans have faced the painful choice of either traveling far away or delaying surgery because of cost. Today, that ends. Top-quality heart care is now available right here in Region 12—closer to home, easier to access, and made possible through PhilHealth’s Z-Benefit Packages. It means less waiting, less worry, and more time with the people who matter most. This is really Serbisyong Mula Sa Puso, Para Sa Puso.

Z-Benefit: A Lifeline for Families

The PhilHealth Z-Benefit Package was designed to help members access expensive but necessary medical services. By subsidizing up to ₱960,000 worth of surgical care, it ensures that financial constraints no longer stand in the way of urgent, life-saving treatment especially for conditions like blocked coronary arteries or damaged heart valves.

“We are very glad that here in Region XII, St. Elizabeth Hospital stands as our invaluable partner, equipped and capable of providing this advanced level of cardiac care. This unique position of St. Elizabeth Hospital amplifies the significance of this collaboration. By formally enlisting them as a Z-Benefit provider, we are effectively bridging a crucial gap,” stated Dr. Hector Zenon Leonardo P. Malate, Regional Vice President of PhilHealth Region XII. He further added, “We commend St. Elizabeth Hospital for their unwavering commitment to investing in the infrastructure, technology, and highly skilled medical professionals necessary to offer these specialized services.”

Joining Dr. Malate in today’s momentous signing are two outstanding leaders: Dr. Lizamar P. Banatao, Chief of the Health Care Delivery Management Division (HCDMD) of PhilHealth Region XII. Representing St. Elizabeth Hospital were its visionary Chief Executive Officer, Antonio G. Veneracion, and Chief Revenue Officer, Samantha Mae Chu.

Why This Matters

In past years, patients from SOCCSKSARGEN had to endure long travel hours, waitlisted procedures, and overwhelming expenses just to undergo heart surgery. Now, that changes.

  • No more costly travel to distant cities.
  • No more long lines at overburdened specialty hospitals.
  • No more delays in life-saving treatment.

Now Accepting Patients

St. Elizabeth Hospital is now screening qualified PhilHealth members for the Z-Benefit program. Interested patients may visit the hospital or contact 0919-071-9012 for assistance and evaluation.