By Mariela Angella Oladive
A total of P22,050,000 in Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) from the Department of Health (DOH) is set to be distributed to 13 hospitals managed by the Iloilo Provincial Government.
The funding follows the approval of a resolution authorizing Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the DOH Western Visayas Center for Health Development (WV CHD) for the program’s implementation during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s regular session on Tuesday, July 16.
Defensor sought the authority to sign the MOAs on behalf of the provincial government through a letter to the members of the 14th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) dated June 26.
“The governor certifies the immediate enactment of this resolution so that the MOAs be implemented immediately,” read Board Member and Floor Leader Domingo Oso Jr.
Of the total amount, P6.05 million will be allocated to the Iloilo Provincial Hospital, while P3 million each will be provided to Aleosan District Hospital and Rep. Pedro G. Trono Memorial Hospital.
The remaining hospitals, including Don Valerio Palmares Sr. Memorial District Hospital, Dr. Ricardo S. Provido Sr. Memorial District Hospital, Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial District Hospital, Federico Roman Tirador Sr. Memorial District Hospital, Gov. Niel D. Tupas Sr. District Hospital, Jesus M. Colmenares District Hospital, Ramon D. Duremdes District Hospital, Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital, San Joaquin Mother and Child Hospital, and Sara District Hospital, will each receive P1 million.
DOH WV CHD Regional Director Adriano Suba-an noted that providing medical assistance is a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Care.
“It ensures healthcare access for vulnerable populations in the region. This initiative stands as a beacon of hope and compassion for the people of Western Visayas,” he said.
The MAIFIP program, formerly known as MAIP, aims to provide continuous access to medical assistance to lessen the burden on eligible patients.
This year, the region has been allocated over P1.34 billion, with more than P298 million obligated as of May. These funds have been distributed to 79 government and private hospitals, serving 47,400 patients.
As of May, there are still over P1.04 billion in remaining funds.
In 2023, the program served 177,607 patients.
