By Mariela Angella Oladive
Eleven provincial hospitals in Iloilo will receive more than PHP16 million under the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program.
The Iloilo Provincial Board approved the allocation during its regular session on April 8, following a request from Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. for authority to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Health–Western Visayas Center for Health Development.
In a letter dated March 19, Defensor emphasized the importance of sustained healthcare support for indigent and financially incapacitated patients.
The agreement will ensure that the allocated funds cover essential medical services in hospitals owned and operated by the provincial government.
The funding breakdown is as follows:
- ALEOSAN District Hospital – PHP1,050,000
- Dr. Ricardo S. Provido Sr. Memorial District Hospital – PHP1,050,000
- Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial District Hospital – PHP1,050,000
- Federico Roman Tirador Sr. Memorial District Hospital – PHP4,050,000
- Iloilo Provincial Hospital – PHP3,050,000
- Jesus M. Colmenares District Hospital – PHP300,000
- Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital – PHP1,050,000
- San Joaquin Mother and Child Hospital – PHP600,000
- Sara District Hospital – PHP1,050,000
- Rep. Pedro G. Trono Memorial Hospital – PHP2,050,000
- Ramon D. Duremdes District Hospital – PHP754,791.97
Formerly known as MAIP, the MAIFIP program aims to provide continuous medical assistance to patients who cannot afford necessary healthcare.
Covered services include medicines, laboratory and diagnostic tests, dental procedures involving implants, surgeries, high-risk childbirth, post-hospitalization care, and up to 50% of hospital bills and professional fees.
Eligible patients include those who are indigent or financially incapacitated and unable to pay for treatment, especially for catastrophic or high-cost illnesses.
Defensor expressed his commitment to implementing the program swiftly to ensure timely access to vital medical services for those most in need.
