DOH welcomes P27.41B release for medical aid to indigent patients

The Department of Health (DOH) welcomed the release of P27.41 billion by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for medical assistance to indigent and financially incapacitated patients nationwide.

The funds, provided under this year’s General Appropriations Act, will support the continued delivery of health services to Filipinos who cannot afford medical treatment, the DOH said Friday.

“Malugod na tinatanggap ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan ang pag-release ng PHP27.41B mula sa DBM para sa Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program,” the DOH said.

The agency said the funding would help address the needs of Filipinos facing critical health conditions.

Most of the allocation will be distributed through the DOH Centers for Health Development (CHDs) to expand access to medical assistance outside Metro Manila.

Of the total amount, P19.145 billion will go to the CHDs to provide medical assistance through partner local government hospitals, private hospitals and other health facilities, according to the DBM.

Another P4.353 billion will be allocated to DOH hospitals in Metro Manila and the regions.

The Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine Children’s Medical Center and Philippine Heart Center will receive a combined P2.910 billion.

The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital will receive P950 million, while drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers will receive P52 million.

The DOH said it is also improving digital access to the medical assistance program through the government’s centralized mobile application to streamline applications and speed up the processing of aid.

The agency said it continues to coordinate with the DBM and partner health facilities nationwide to ensure the funds reach families who need assistance.

“Patuloy rin tayong nakikipag-ugnayan sa DBM at partner facilities nationwide upang tiyakin na bawat piso ay tunay na naipararating sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” the DOH said.

Photo courtesy of PhilStar