The United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency welcomed yesterday the expansion of maternity benefits under Philippine Health Insurance Corp., saying it is a critical step to reducing maternal deaths.

State-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. will roll out expanded and higher maternity benefits beginning Thursday, April 30, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced.

Maternity benefits provided by state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) would be increased beginning today, President Marcos announced as he acknowledged the high costs of childbirth that place mothers at risk.