The Department of Health (DOH) said it is ready to cooperate with the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the investigation into allegedly inflated hospital charges.
The issue was first raised by Jesus Crispin Remulla, who flagged supposed “bloated” fees in emergency rooms.
Remulla stressed that the government must closely monitor private hospitals.
In an interview, DOH spokesperson Undersecretary Albert Domingo said that any unjustified increase or overpricing of hospital fees is a crime and may be considered falsification of public documents under the Revised Penal Code.
Domingo emphasized that while many hospitals are honest, there are still some that engage in irregular practices.
He assured the public that the DOH will fully cooperate in the investigation and is prepared to use the “full extent of the law” to hold accountable those responsible.
