Go to DOH: Ensure accessible medical aid

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go is urging the Department of Health (DOH) to uphold accessibility of medical aid for indigent patients amid the agency’s increased budget this year.

Impoverished patients are reportedly being turned away or opting not to seek hospital care out of fear of incurring hefty medical bills, Go said.

The senator addressed issues surrounding the DOH’s Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) program, which received a budget increase this year, during a public hearing on Tuesday held jointly by the Senate committees on health, tourism and finance.

The MAIP program provides financial support to cover poor patients’ medical expenses. It is one of the primary sources of medical financial assistance made easily accessible to patients through Malasakit centers.

“I am reminding Secretary Ted and Usec. (Molly) Chiong that no patient should be refused,” he said.

Go also discussed hospitals running out of MAIP funds.

“I have heard that hospitals in Basilan and Zamboanga are complaining that their funds have been depleted,” he noted.

There is no reason for patients to be denied medical assistance given the congressional approval of billions in MAIP funding, he argued.

Go appealed to health officials to address the reported fund shortages in Basilan General Hospital, Margosatubig Regional Hospital in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga City Medical Center.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa confirmed the significant increase in MAIP funds, which have more than doubled or exceeded P50 billion in 2024.

“What we requested during the (National Expenditure Program) is around P22 billion. Now, it exceeded P50 billion,” he recalled.

Health Undersecretary Emmie Liza Perez-Chiong committed to utilizing MAIP funds efficiently.

Go requested regular updates on the utilization of MAIP funds and hospitals that reportedly ran out of resources.