MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos may have to pay at least 18 percent more for hospitalization – possibly by the beginning of the second quarter of the year – largely due to rising costs of medical supplies, Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) president Dr. Jose Rene de Grano said over the weekend.
In an interview, De Grano said the figure might even be higher in view of rising inflation.

“There is supposed to be an increase by 18 percent (for hospitalization costs), probably in the second quarter of the year. It may even be higher because of the effects of inflation,” De Grano said.