Thirteen hospitals managed by the Iloilo provincial government are recipients of the PHP22 million in Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) Program of the Department of Health (DOH).

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan, during its regular session on Tuesday, passed a resolution authorizing Governor Arthur Governor Jr. to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the DOH Western Visayas Center for Health Development (WV CHD) for its implementation.

“The governor certifies the immediate enactment of this resolution so that the MOAs be implemented immediately,” said Board Member and Floor Leader Domingo Oso Jr.

A total of PHP6.05 million will be allocated to the Iloilo Provincial Hospital, while PHP3 million each will go to the Aleosan District Hospital and the Rep. Pedro G. Trono Memorial Hospital.

The rest of the hospitals namely 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 have PHP1 million each.

DOH WV CHD Regional Director Adriano Suba-an said in a previous interview that the provision of medical assistance is “another stride of the department in achieving Universal Health Care.”

“It ensures the health care access for vulnerable populations in the region. This initiative stands as a beacon of hope and compassion to the people of Western Visayas,” he said.

This year, the region has an allocation of over PHP1.340 billion, and more than PHP298 million has been obligated as of May.

It provided funds to 79 government and private hospitals, serving 47,400 patients.

As of May, it still has over PHP1.04 billion remaining funds.

In 2023, the MAIFIP served 177,607 patients. (PNA)