Malacañang on Saturday ordered Department of Health to work with partner healthcare facilities in speeding up their processing of claims under the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Capacitated Patients Program.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto underscored the importance of proper coordination of DOH and healthcare providers towards the efficient implementation of the program.
“Let us continue coordinating with the regional directors, verify the accounts payable, and process the valid claims promptly. These funds are available to support our patients and our partner hospitals,” Recto said in a statement.
This was after the Department of Budget and Management released P 27.4 billion to the DOH under the 2026 national budget for the MAIFIP program.
Funds for the MAIFIP are for valid claims for essential healthcare services, such as hospitalization, medicines, emergency treatment, professional fees, etc.
Recto explained that the expeditious processing of legitimate claims would ensure the uninterrupted delivery of health services, especially to vulnerable and low-income patients.
“For President Marcos, every available resource must be used to deliver meaningful assistance to the Filipino people. Through MAIFIP, we are helping patients obtain the care they need while supporting hospitals that serve communities every day,” the Executive Secretary said.
Of the P 27.4 billion, P 19.14 billion will be for DOH Centers for Health Development to extend medical assistance through regional networks and partner healthcare facilities.
P 4.35 billion for support for DOH hospitals in Metro Manila and the regions.
P 2.91 billion will be for the Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, and Philippine Heart Center.
P 950 million will be for the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital, and P 52 million will be for Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers.