The provincial government of Pangasinan and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are set to sign a memorandum of agreement for the implementation of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH).

Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, in an interview on Tuesday, said this agreement between the DSWD Field Office 1 (Ilocos Region) and the provincial government would entail qualified patients of the PPH to avail of the AICS for their medical expenses.

“In short, this is another added layer or support layer to the source of funding that can be used to pay for the hospitalization of our fellow Pangasinenses,” he said.

Lambino said that amid the benefits from the packages offered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and the Department of Health’s Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIP) program, there are still some expenses that are covered by the health insurance services or programs, but rather falls on the hospital’s expenses or the patient’s.

MAIP provides financial assistance for hospital bills, medicines, diagnostics, and procedures at government hospitals while AICS provides immediate, temporary, and cash aid to Filipinos facing unexpected life events, such as medical, funeral, or transportation needs.

“So by having a memorandum of agreement with the DSWD, the expenses not covered by PhilHealth or MAIP may be covered instead by AICS,” he said.

Lambino said availing patients would still undergo assessment by social workers to qualify.

The date of the signing of the memorandum has yet to be announced following the approval of the resolution from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) authorizing Governor Ramon Guico III to sign on behalf of the provincial government. (PNA)